Former appeals court judge Hishamudin Yunus is new Suhakam chairman

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PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus (pic) has been appointed the new chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).

The commission said in a statement that Hishamudin's appointment effective July 3 was approved by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999.

Hishamudin has an extensive and distinguished career in the Malaysian judicial and legal service, beginning as a magistrate in Kuala Lumpur in 1973, according to the statement.

"He has held several key positions, including Sessions Court president, deputy public prosecutor, Selangor legal adviser, deputy parliamentary draftsman, and chief registrar of the Federal Court," it read.

Hishamudin was admitted to the Malaysian Bar in 1984 and appointed a judicial commissioner in 1992.

In 1994, he became a High Court judge and in 2009, was made a judge with the Court of Appeal where he served until his retirement in 2015.

On Nov 21, 2016, he was appointed by the government as chairman of the Independent Committee of Inquiry into the fire tragedy at Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Baru.

"On Sept 4, 2018, he was appointed as a member of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), and the following day, became chairman of the Competition Commission of Malaysia (MyCC).

"Additionally, he chaired the Independent Committee on the Management of Foreign Labour for the Human Resources Ministry, tackling issues related to foreign workers," the statement read.

It said Hishamudin's experience in human rights, judicial matters and other spheres was expected to greatly benefit Suhakam.

"His guidance, knowledge, advice and commitment are anticipated to strengthen Suhakam as Malaysia's National Human Rights Institution," it added.