DISCUSSIONS are ongoing to allow the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) immediate access to detention centres as part of efforts to strengthen its monitoring role.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran said talks were held with agencies and stakeholders to address regulations causing delays in Suhakam’s visits to prisons, immigration detention depots and police lock-ups.
“A series of discussions have been and are being conducted with the relevant parties. I am also informed that an announcement on the matter will be made soon,” he said in reply to Teresa Kok (PH-Seputeh).
Kok wanted to know whether the government would allow Suhakam direct access to detention centres to empower its commissioners in carrying out their duties.
“Although Suhakam is not currently granted immediate access to detention depots, it nevertheless has jurisdiction to exercise oversight during public hearing sessions,” Kulasegaran said.
In reply to the initial question on funding, he said the government was responsible in providing sufficient funding so human rights institutions could carry out their mandate independently and effectively.
He said this was 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 such institutions functioned effectively and credibly.
