KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) annual report will not only be debated in Parliament but the government will craft proposed solutions to all the issues raised, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (pic).
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) said the debate on the report will provide space and opportunity for all to have their voices heard through their respective representatives, so the government can consider appropriate measures to address the issues highlighted.
“The government believes that there must be a political commitment, with the necessary political will, not only to present the Suhakam annual report but also debate and follow up with proposed solutions,” she said at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Azalina noted that the Suhakam 2020 report consists of seven chapters that provide the details of activities carried out throughout that year, in fulfilling Suhakam’s mandate, as well as detailed administrative and financial reports for the year.
Among the specific thematic areas were Covid-19, human rights, Orang Asli, human trafficking, refugees, asylum seekers and Islam.
“Various recommendations for each issue have been clearly reviewed and the political commitments are clearly stated in the report,” she said.
She stressed that the debate session will serve as a platform for MPs to engage in mature discussions to strengthen the protection of human rights while identifying areas for improvements and adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing human rights issues in the country.
“This is not a fault-finding mission. The objective of the debate of the Suhakam report is to obtain feedback from responsible agencies and to gather input from MPs.
“We are also aware that the report has been prepared independently, without being directed or influenced by any stakeholders.
“All cooperation should be based on a respectful attitude towards the integrity of the government agencies and recognising our role as responsible lawmakers in upholding human rights,” said the Pengerang MP.
Moving forward, to ensure the continuous preservation of human rights in this country, the National Human Rights Action Plan (NHRAP) 2.0 is being considered for integration in various aspects including education, healthcare, housing, social services, administration and others implemented by the government, Azalina added.
Towards this end, a more comprehensive engagement session, through a bottom-up approach, was conducted on March 3 to gather the views and aspirations of the people regarding the existing NHRAP, in order to come up with comprehensive and holistic improvements, she said.
At the same time, she said, the government is developing the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR), in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, to ensure the respect and promotion of human rights in business practices.
