KUALA LUMPUR (10 JULY 2024) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus as its new Chairman, effective 3 July 2024. His appointment was approved by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 [Act 597].
Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamudin has an extensive and distinguished career in the Malaysian Judicial and Legal Service, beginning as a magistrate in Kuala Lumpur in 1973. He has held several key positions, including President of the Sessions Court, Deputy Public Prosecutor, State Legal Advisor for Selangor, Deputy Parliamentary Draftsman, and Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court.
In 1984, he was admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Malaysian Bar. Eight years later, in 1992, he was appointed as a Judicial Commissioner, subsequently becoming a High Court Judge in 1994 and later a Judge of the Court of Appeal in 2009, where he served until his retirement in September 2015. Notably, he was appointed by the International Bar Association Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) to lead a fact-finding mission to South Africa, investigating the impact of a proposed constitutional amendment on judicial independence.
On 21 November 2016, Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamudin was appointed by the government as Chairman of the Independent Committee of Inquiry into the fire tragedy at Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Bahru. On 4 September 2018, he was appointed as a member of the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC), and the following day, he became Chairman of the Competition Commission of Malaysia (MyCC). Additionally, he chaired the Independent Committee on the Management of Foreign Labour for the Ministry of Human Resources, tackling issues related to foreign workers.
With his vast experience in human rights, judiciary matters, and various independent inquiries and committees, Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamudin’s leadership is expected to greatly benefit SUHAKAM. His guidance, knowledge, advice, and commitment are anticipated to further strengthen SUHAKAM as Malaysia’s National Human Rights Institution.
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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
10 July 2024
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MS