Human rights legislation must be in line with nation's Constitution and composition, says Wan Junaidi

PETALING JAYA: Amendments to legislation concerning human rights are needed to keep up with society's current needs, says de facto law minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) said, however, that any such amendments must be made in the best interests of the nation's multicultural composition.

"Human rights cover a wide area and touch on various aspects and layers of society.

"At times, they touch on sensitive matters and need to be studied in-depth," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Jan 18).

His statement followed a courtesy call by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) on Monday (Jan 17) night.

Wan Junaidi said Suhakam presented its annual report at the meeting, including a proposal to amend the Suhakam Act 1999.

It also discussed the latest developments on the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, and the National Human Rights Action Plan.

There have been calls by civil society for amendments to laws to better promote human rights.

Among them are laws related to stateless children, custodial deaths and child marriage.

Wan Junaidi said he hoped to work with Suhakam to overcome human rights violations in the country.

He assured the Suhakam that the government would continue to help it promote human rights in line with the Federal Constitution and the nation's makeup.