New Book on Tan Sri Simon

Tan Sri Simon & looking on is Datuk Kuthbul

Proham honours Tan Sri Simon Sipaun the outgoing Proham Chairman with a book entitled “Simon Sipaun: Human Rights Defender

This is a collection of 19 articles by Tan Sri Simon between 2011 and 2014. It was launched by Datuk Kuthubul Zaman the new Proham incoming Chairman on Monday March 17, 2014









From the Introduction of the book by
Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria

Book Cover: Book priced at RM25.00

The Persatuan Promosi Hak Asasi Manusia (PROHAM) was formally registered on March 10, 2011 under the Registrar of Societies (ROS). PROHAM hosted its first AGM and launch on March 21, 2013. The founding Chairman is Tan Sri Simon Sipaun who was the former Vice Chairman of SUHAKAM, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia.

Tan Sri Simon has played a very active role in Proham and in honour and tribute of his contributions to PROHAM this booklet containing 19 of his key speeches on human rights related themes are published.

Tan Sri Simon also served SUHAKAM for about 10 years from 2001 to 2010. He was in the first batch of human rights commissioners appointed. He has done his work without fear or favour. He has displayed lots of commitment and enthusiasm for human rights.

On a personal note I have come to know Tan Sri when I too was appointed to SUHAKAM in 2006 and over the years have worked closely with him. I have noticed that he is able to move with the people in the high places but at the same time will be available to go to the grassroots and meet up with ordinary folks for defending their human rights and human dignity.

I also noticed that Tan Sri Simon always had a written text of his speeches which he has written and typed personally. I came across 19 short speeches which were delivered between 2011 and 2014 at Proham discussions. Two of these were at other gatherings.

These 19 speeches are divided under seven thematic areas and are not listed in chronological order. These seven themes are:- human rights concerns, universal periodical review, social inclusion, citizenship, religious freedom, general elections and ethnic relations.

These human rights themes gives a glimpse of the areas he and PROHAM have been championing over the past three years. These have been undertaken under a very strong conviction that a human rights approach based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the best policy and legislative framework for protection of fundamental liberties and freedoms in our society. It will also ensure socio-economic inclusion for all individuals, groups and communities.

The booklet entitled “SIMON SIPAUN: HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER, Collection of Human Rights Speeches while as Proham’s Founding Chairman” is specially complied to honour Tan Sri Simon Sipaun for his dedication and commitment as the founding Chairman of PROHAM. It is our prayer and hope that more elder statesmen will emerge in Malaysian society as true defenders of human rights for all people.

Proham recognises the services of Tan Sri Sipaun and dedicate this publication in his honour. On behalf of Proham Exco and members I take this opportunity to thank him for his services as the Proham Founding Chairman and look forward to his continuing role as the voice and conscience for human rights in Malaysia.