CHAPTER 5 - REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL ISSUES AND COOPERATION COMMITTEE The SCA was of the view that the first two issues open up potential for political interference that may impact adversely on the transparency and participatory nature of the selection process. On the issue of KPIs, the SCA was concerned as to whether these would be clearly established so as not to affect the independence of members, and if these would be made public. Given that these issues could only be assessed after the new selection process in April 2010, the SCA said it would review these issues at its second session of the year. On 28 January, the Prime Minister appointed five members to the newly-established Selection Committee in accordance with Section 11A(1) of the amended Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999. The Selection Committee was chaired by Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Haji Hassan, the Chief Secretary to the Government. The other members were Tan Sri Abu Talib Othman, then Chairman of the Commission, Tan Sri Haidar Mohd Nor, the former Chief Justice of Malaya, Mr Lim Chee Wee, Vice-President of the Malaysian Bar Council, and Datuk Rafiah Salim, Director of the Non-aligned Movement Institute for the Empowerment of Women. The principal role of the Selection Committee was to shortlist candidates received from public nominations. The list of candidates was forwarded to the Prime Minister for his consideration and recommendation for assent by His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The appointment of the seven members of the Commission took effect on 26 April. The line-up is led by Tan Sri Hasmy Agam as Chairman and consists of six members: • Professor Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee (Vice Chairman) • Mrs Jannie Lasimbang • Mr Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah • Professor Datuk Dr Mahmood Zuhdi Hj Abdul Majid • Mr James Nayagam • Mr Detta Samen With the new members on board, the Commission continued its effort to overcome the challenging accreditation process. This included the finalisation of the KPIs formulated by the previous members at the Government’s request. The finalised KPIs were submitted to the Government on 18 August for its consideration and adoption. The Commission also informed the Government of the important need for public disclosure of the KPIs for the sake of transparency. 82