Forum: Respect water access as fundamental human right

by Beh Lih Yi     Published 13 Dec 2003    Source : Malaysiakini

The message from the speakers at the "Water, Right to Life" forum in Kuala Lumpur today is clear: "That access to water should not be turned into a market-based commodity but should be assured as a respect to the constitutionally basic right."

The forum, jointly organised by the Bar Council and National Human Rights Society (Hakam) in conjunction with World Human Rights Day (Dec 10), was held in view of the recent water privatisation deals and development projects initiated by the government and which have brought fears about the negative effects on water quality.

Suhakam asked to intervene in water privatisation move

Published 8 Dec 2003   Source : Malaysiakini

Several consumer groups and community-based organisations today submitted a memorandum to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), stating concern over plans to privatise the management of water resources and sanitation services.

Led by the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations and ERA Consumer, the group of 17 associations claimed that the government's decision would breach a fundamental human right.

The memorandum was submitted as part of the group's efforts to promote and defend 'Water as a Human Right'.