KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will be given more bite and a bigger say on human rights development in the country following changes to the law later this year, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
This follows proposed amendments to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 (Act 597) to allow Suhakam to appear in court proceedings on human rights matters or those involving public interest.
“Among the proposed changes is mandating the government obtain Suhakam’s opinions on laws and policies that may impact human rights,” she told The Star.
This marks the second time lawmakers in Parliament debated Suhakam’s report since the independent human rights watchdog was set up in 2000.
Azalina, Minister in charge of Law and Institutional Reforms, said the amendments would also empower Suhakam to probe alleged human rights infringements, including by compelling witnesses to appear before it.
“This includes the collection of evidence and visiting places of detention,” she added.
On the appointment of human rights commissioners, Azalina said that changes would be made concerning the appointment process to ensure that only qualified individuals held the post.
She noted that currently, Section 11A provides for the appointment of an independent committee to filter and recommend candidates to be appointed as commissioners.
“Nevertheless, the proposed amendments aim to clarify the criteria for selection further. Namely, only qualified persons with significant knowledge and experience in human rights are to be appointed,” she said.
She added that this would ensure that Suhakam would be diverse in dealing with issues such as those affecting persons with disabilities or Orang Asli and Orang Asal.
“These proposed changes are on my wish list to strengthen Suhakam’s mandate, role, and function towards protecting, advising, and promoting human rights in Malaysia,” she said.
There have been criticisms from civil rights groups over the body’s independence due to the opaque appointment of Suhakam commissioners in recent years.
Meanwhile, Azalina said that engagements are currently being held with relevant stakeholders to consider other areas for improvement.
“The engagement sessions are ongoing, and we are almost at the tail end of the process.
“We are aiming for the Act to be tabled and passed in Parliament in the next session,” she added.
The current Dewan Rakyat meeting ends on June 15, with the following meeting to be held between October and December.
