Monthly Archives: February 2026

KUALA LUMPUR (28 FEBRUARY 2026) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) views with serious concern recent remarks made by Members of Parliament which have denigrated certain groups of individuals through unfounded and scientifically unsubstantiated claims, including characterising persons of diverse sexual identity and sexual orientation as deviant cults and suggesting that work-related stress may contribute to an individual’s sexual identity or sexual orientation. SUHAKAM considers such statements to be inappropriate, misleading and unethical. The propagation of harmful stereotypes and misinformation risks deepening prejudice, normalising discrimination, and may ultimately expose affected individuals to stigma, harm and threats to their safety and wellbeing.

It is unbecoming of Members of Parliament representing the rakyat, or holders of important positions in the Cabinet, to continue to spew toxic language in the legislative house. Parliament must remain a forum of principled debate, guided by respect for human dignity and constitutional values. SUHAKAM emphasises that all individuals, regardless their sexual identity or sexual orientation, are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.

Fundamental liberties are the cornerstone of Malaysia’s constitutional framework. Article 5 of the Federal Constitution provides for the right to personal liberty, whilst Article 8 guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the law. As lawmakers, Members of Parliament must adhere to Article 8 of the Federal Constitution, which upholds equality before the law. Article 8 clearly prohibits discrimination based on gender and this constitutional commitment is reinforced by Malaysia’s ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 1995. CEDAW and the Federal Constitution call for non-discrimination that recognises intersecting layers of oppression and vulnerability, rather than reducing individuals merely to facets of their identity, orientation, or background.

Public discourse, particularly within Parliament, must reflect this constitutional and international commitment to equality and dignity. SUHAKAM further emphasises that statements made by public officials, particularly in official forums such as Parliament, must be responsible, cautious, and grounded in accurate information, while reflecting respect for human rights principles. Statements that lack scientific clarity or that may promote prejudice can significantly shape negative public attitudes and contribute to a culture of discrimination.

SUHAKAM remains committed to promoting the understanding that human rights apply to all, in line with the spirit of the Federal Constitution and universal human rights principles. In this regard, SUHAKAM stands ready to conduct capacity-building initiatives with the Parliament of Malaysia on human rights principles and constitutional obligations, towards fostering a more informed and responsible lawmaking institution.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

28 February 2026

KUALA LUMPUR (21 FEBRUARY 2026) – The Children’s Commissioners have taken note of a viral social media post shared on 19 February 2026 by a father, concerning the alleged sexual assault of his seven-year-old son by an unknown individual in a mosque toilet while attending congregational prayers.

The Children’s Commissioners are deeply disturbed by this incident and empathise with the pain, anger, and distress experienced by the child and his family. We are informed that the matter is currently under police investigation, and we commend the Royal Malaysia Police for their prompt action. The Children’s Commissioners hope that the investigation will be conducted thoroughly and that the perpetrator will be brought to justice under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.

This incident is a stark reminder that no place can be presumed entirely safe for children if adequate supervision and safeguards are not in place, including places of worship. Child sexual offenders may exploit moments when children are left unattended, regardless of location.

As families gather during the festive period of Chinese New Year and the holy month of Ramadan, parents and caregivers are urged to exercise heightened vigilance, especially in crowded public spaces and communal facilities. Children should be accompanied at all times, particularly when using restrooms or moving away from main congregation areas.

The Children’s Commissioners also call upon administrators of places of worship, including mosque committees, to strengthen child-safety measures. This includes ensuring that CCTV systems are installed and fully operational in appropriate areas, and that regular safety reminders are delivered by religious leaders to congregants.

We commend mosques that have introduced supervised childcare arrangements during tarawih prayers and encourage the expansion of such initiatives nationwide as a proactive child-protection measure.

Protecting children is a shared responsibility that requires constant awareness, collective effort, and zero tolerance for abuse.

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Dr Farah Nini Dusuki

Chief Children’s Commissioner

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

21 February 2026

KUALA LUMPUR (16 FEBRUARY 2026) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses its concern over recent developments regarding the establishment of a special committee to investigate allegations involving the Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), following reports published by Bloomberg on 12 February 2026.

SUHAKAM does not take a position on the substance of the allegations. Nevertheless, we emphasise that corruption, as well as any perception that it is not addressed with seriousness and accountability carries profound negative human rights consequences. It undermines equality before the law, weakens access to justice, diverts public resources away from essential services, and disproportionately affects vulnerable and marginalised communities. The integrity, independence and credibility of anti-corruption institutions are therefore indispensable to the protection and realisation of human rights.

It cannot be denied that corruption is rampant in this country and is cancerous. Disgracefully, even high level ex-political leaders have been hauled to Court, convicted and sentenced to long terms of imprisonment. The sad truth is that – and this is of great concern to SUHAKAM, a body entrusted to promote and defend human rights – the higher the level of corruption that prevails in our society, the more it undermines the human rights of the citizens. In the battle against corruption, it is imperative that those entrusted to combat this evil practice must not only be beyond any suspicion of wrongdoing but must be perceived to be whiter than white.

Whilst the establishment of a special investigation committee (or task force) is acknowledged, concerns arise where such a body lacks clear statutory authority and necessary investigative powers. An inquiry that does not have the power to compel the attendance of witnesses, require the production of documents, or otherwise secure relevant evidence risks being viewed as limited in scope and effectiveness. In matters of significant public interest, these limitations may erode public confidence in both the investigative process and its outcome.

In light of this, SUHAKAM calls for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) under the Commissions of Enquiry Act 1950 (Act 119), rather than a task force without coercive powers. An RCI is vested with the authority to summon witnesses, examine them under oath, and compel the production of documents. Such powers are essential to ensure a thorough, independent and transparent examination of all relevant allegations. The scope of the inquiry must also be comprehensive. Investigations should not be confined to a narrow set of issues but should encompass all serious allegations that have entered the public domain, including those relating to alleged share ownership and reported allegations of collusion. A fragmented or selective approach risks creating perceptions of partiality and undermining the credibility of the process.

Institutional independence is equally critical. The composition of any investigative body must avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest. Public confidence depends not only on the fairness of the process, but also on its appearance of fairness. Clear separation between investigative and prosecutorial functions, together with safeguards against undue influence, are fundamental principles of natural justice. In this respect, SUHAKAM is of the view that the proposed investigative body should not be chaired by the Attorney General. Instead, it should be led by an independent and respected retired Senior Judge, such as Yang Amat Berbahagia Tun Tengku Maimun binti Tuan Mat, who is widely recognised for her judicial integrity. The membership of the investigative body should also be broadened to include a respected representative from Civil Society Organisations (CSO) in order to enhance credibility, transparency and public trust in the process.

SUHAKAM further emphasises that appropriate interim administrative measures may be necessary to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the investigation. Such measures should not be perceived to be punitive in nature but are intended to preserve public confidence and ensure that the inquiry proceeds independently and without interference, pending its conclusion. In this regard, SUHAKAM supports the call for Tan Sri Azam Baki to be placed on garden leave while the RCI carries out its investigation, as this would help prevent any real or perceived influence over the investigative process.

Transparency remains a cornerstone of democratic governance and an essential component of the rule of law. The public should be informed of the mandate, powers and progress of the inquiry, subject to legitimate confidentiality considerations. Open and accountable processes strengthen institutions and reinforce public trust.

Malaysia’s commitment to combating corruption must be aligned with its human rights obligations. Where allegations involve those entrusted with enforcing anti-corruption laws, the response must be robust, independent and beyond reproach.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

16 February 2026

KUALA LUMPUR (11 FEBRUARY 2026) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses its concern over the recent arrest of 20 individuals in connection with police action relating to the planned rally organised by Gerakan Anti Rumah Anutan Haram (GARAH) on 7 February 2026.

SUHAKAM reiterates that the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are fundamental liberties guaranteed under the Federal Constitution and recognised under international human rights law. At the same time, these rights are not absolute and must be exercised responsibly, with due regard to the inherent dignity, equality and rights of all persons. They must not be misused to promote hatred, racism, discrimination or hostility against any group.

Peaceful assembly remains a legitimate democratic space to raise concerns and advocate for change when conducted in a manner consistent with human rights principles, including non-discrimination, equality before the law and respect for diversity. In this regard, international standards, including the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) and Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), protect the right to manifest religion, including the establishment and protection of places of worship, and require States to prevent both direct and indirect discrimination, including where attacks on religious identity disproportionately affect ethnic or minority groups. While freedom of speech is generally protected, advocacy that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence is prohibited under international law, specifically Article 19(3) and Article 20(2) of the ICCPR.

In this context, SUHAKAM emphasises that allegations involving hate speech, racist conduct or incitement to discrimination should be addressed firmly and in accordance with the law, guided by due process and applicable human rights standards. Constitutional freedoms cannot be invoked to justify conduct that undermines the rights, safety and dignity of others.

At the same time, SUHAKAM notes that the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012 places responsibilities on the authorities, including the police, to manage assemblies in a lawful, proportionate and facilitative manner. Any enforcement action taken should be grounded in clear legal authority, respect due process, and be appropriate to the circumstances.

SUHAKAM is closely monitoring developments surrounding this incident, including the legal basis and circumstances of enforcement actions taken, to ensure that all responses — by both organisers and authorities — remain consistent with constitutional guarantees, the rule of law, the PAA 2012, and Malaysia’s international human rights obligations.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

11 February 2026