KUALA LUMPUR: Discussions are underway to allow the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) immediate access to detention centres as part of efforts to strengthen the national human rights body’s monitoring role, the Dewan Rakyat heard.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran said talks have been held with relevant agencies and stakeholders to address regulations that have caused delays in Suhakam visits to locations such as prisons, immigration detention depots and police lock-ups.
"A series of discussions is being conducted with relevant agencies and parties. I am also informed that an announcement on the matter will be made soon," he told Teresa Kok (PH-Seputeh) during Question Time on Wednesday (July 1).
Kok had asked whether the government would allow Suhakam direct access to detention centres to empower its commissioners.
"Although Suhakam is not currently granted immediate access to detention depots, it nevertheless has jurisdiction to exercise oversight during public hearing sessions," Kulasegaran added.
In reply to the initial question on funding, the deputy minister said the government is responsible for providing enough funds so that human rights institutions can carry out their mandate independently and effectively.
He said this is in line with the principles relating to the Status of National Human Rights Institutions, known as the Paris Principles, which set minimum international standards to ensure these institutions function effectively and credibly.
He said Subsection 19(1) of the Suhakam Act 1999 also requires the government to allocate sufficient annual funding to the commission.
"Besides the government’s annual allocation, Subsection 19(3) allows Suhakam to receive financial contributions from individuals or organisations to promote awareness and provide education on human rights, subject to the commission’s approval," he added.
Regarding discussions of a budget cut, he said they are awaiting a decision from the Finance Ministry.
