Monthly Archives: May 2026

KUALA LUMPUR (25 MAY 2026) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) conducted a Public Inquiry into Human Rights Violations During and After the Incident on 17 January 2025 at Taiping Prison, Perak. The Public Inquiry was convened following a complaint received by SUHAKAM on 3 February 2025 from family members of the High Court Detainees (“HCDs”).

The complaint alleged that a group of HCDs had been subjected to human rights violations at Taiping Prison, Perak. Among the allegations of human rights violations brought to SUHAKAM’s attention were:
i. A riot incident involving the use of force by Taiping Prison staff against approximately 80 to 100 HCDs, resulting in injuries; and
ii. The incident also resulted in the death of an HCD named Gan Chin Eng.

Following this, SUHAKAM initiated a Public Inquiry into the incident that occurred on 17 January 2025 at Taiping Prison. The Public Inquiry proceedings commenced on 9 June 2025 and lasted for 3 months and 2 weeks, with the final proceedings (oral submissions) held on 15 December 2025. A total of 50 witnesses testified, and 127 exhibits were tendered during the proceedings.

As a result of the Public Inquiry, the Inquiry Panel confirmed that human rights violations against the HCDs had occurred during and after the incident on 17 January 2025 at Taiping Prison, Perak, as follows:
i. Excessive physical violence was inflicted by a large number of prison staff against the HCDs during the transfer operation from Hall B to Block E on 17 January 2025;
ii. Prison staff abused the use of weapons and security equipment such as batons and pepper spray;
iii. Negligence and incompetence among senior officers of Taiping Prison;
iv. Serious overcrowding issues at Taiping Prison;
v. Prolonged remand detention periods;
vi. Financial allocation constraints from the Government;
vii. Negligence and failure in providing medical treatment to injured HCDs;
viii. Elements of falsification in medical record documentation;
ix. HCDs were subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment following the incident on 17 January 2025;
x. Police reports lodged against the HCDs contained false information;
xi. The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) failed to conduct a separate investigation into the acts of violence committed by prison staff against the HCDs; and
xii. Significant delays by the Attorney General’s Chambers in reviewing the PDRM investigation papers and initiating charges in court.

In this regard, the Public Inquiry Panel has proposed the following recommendations:
a) Disciplinary action to be taken against the management and staff of Taiping Prison;
b) PDRM to conduct a separate investigation into the acts of violence committed by prison staff against the HCDs;
c) To conduct a comprehensive study on alternatives to remand and imprisonment in addressing prison overcrowding issues;
d) To abolish the practice of the bucket system at Taiping Prison and all prison institutions;
e) To conduct regular and comprehensive training to all Taiping Prison staff;
f) To ensure that detainees’ basic needs are consistently met;
g) To improve medical and healthcare facilities in prison institutions;
h) To review the continued operation of Taiping Prison at its current site, taking into account its gazettement as a Heritage Building; and
i) Accession to the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT).

The full report of the Public Inquiry can be accessed at
https://suhakam.org.my/publications/national-public-inquiry-reports/

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
25 May 2026

KUALA LUMPUR (15 MAY 2026) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) organised the Forum on the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples in Sabah and Sarawak on 6 May 2026 at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, with the support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Held under the theme “Advancing Indigenous Rights, Strengthening Communities, Guiding Human Rights Based Business Practices”, the forum brought together approximately 200 participants, both physically and virtually, from Sabah, Sarawak, and Peninsular Malaysia. Participants included representatives from government agencies, Indigenous leaders and communities, civil society organisations, academia, Indigenous youth and women leaders, as well as representatives from the business sector and government-linked companies (GLCs).

The forum was officiated by Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus, Chairman of SUHAKAM, who underscored the importance of recognising and protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples, while ensuring that national development is implemented in an inclusive, equitable and human rights-based manner. Also in attendance was Yang Berhormat Datuk Dr. Maijol Mahap, the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing of Sabah.

As a continuation of SUHAKAM’s National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples conducted between 2010 and 2012, the forum served as an important platform to amplify the voices, participation, and rights of Indigenous Peoples within the national development agenda. Discussions focused particularly on customary land rights, the preservation of culture and identity, and the overall well-being of Indigenous communities. The forum further reaffirmed that economic growth and national development must be pursued in a manner that is inclusive, fair, and grounded in human rights principles. In this regard, the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), as enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), was emphasised as a fundamental safeguard to ensure that the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples are respected in all development initiatives.

The first plenary session focused on strengthening the participation of Indigenous Peoples in sustainable and community-led development, including challenges in ensuring genuinely meaningful involvement in decision-making processes. The second plenary session examined the culture, language and identity of Indigenous Peoples within the context of a modern nation-state, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage as an integral part of community identity and survival. Meanwhile, the third plenary session emphasised the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in advancing Indigenous Peoples’ rights collectively, particularly through the roles played by government institutions, civil society and related sectors.

Across the plenary sessions, the forum also highlighted the shared responsibility of all stakeholders in promoting sustainable and responsible business practices aligned with the Malaysia National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR) 2025-2030. This commitment was further reinforced through a recorded video message delivered by the Deputy Director-General (Policy & Development) of the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU), Prime Minister’s Department, Dato Dr. Punitha Silivarajoo.

The closing remarks were delivered by Datuk Mariati Robert, Vice Chairman of SUHAKAM, who reaffirmed that the forum reflected SUHAKAM’s continued commitment as a national human rights institution guided by the Paris Principles, international standards that underscore the role of national human rights institutions in promoting, protecting and advocating for human rights independently, transparently and effectively.

SUHAKAM hopes that the forum serves as a catalyst for stronger strategic collaboration among all stakeholders in advancing the forum’s aspirations of “Advancing Indigenous Rights, Strengthening Communities, Guiding Human Rights Based Business Practices”.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
15 May 2026

KUALA LUMPUR (13 MAY 2026) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) calls on all Malaysians to uphold the values of mutual respect, dignity, and inclusivity in preserving national unity and social harmony. Malaysia’s diversity has long been the foundation of the nation’s strength. Our multicultural and multireligious society reflects the principles enshrined in the Federal Constitution, including the guarantee of equality and non-discrimination under Article 8 irrespective of religion, race, descent, or background, as well the protection of freedom of expression and human dignity for all persons. However, in recent years, public discourse has increasingly been marked by racial hostility, inflammatory rhetoric, and divisive narratives, particularly on social media and within political spaces.

In conjunction with the remembrance of the tragic events of 13 May 1969, SUHAKAM emphasises that the lessons of history should guide the nation towards greater understanding and unity, rather than fear, division, or political manipulation. Historical events must never be used to justify intolerance, silence legitimate discourse, or fuel racial animosity.

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution and recognised under international human rights standards. However, this right also carries responsibilities. Expressions that incite discrimination, hostility, or violence against individuals or groups based on race, religion, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics undermine social cohesion and threaten democratic values.

SUHAKAM reiterates that efforts to address hate speech and racism must be grounded in human rights principles, including legality, necessity, proportionality, and accountability. Any measures taken by authorities should clearly distinguish between legitimate criticism, public debate, and advocacy on one hand, and genuine incitement to violence or discrimination on the other.

At the same time, SUHAKAM stresses that elected representatives and political leaders bear a heightened responsibility to set a positive example. Members of Parliament, as leaders entrusted with public confidence, should promote respectful engagement, reject racial or religious provocation, and refrain from making statements that may deepen mistrust and polarisation within society. Political differences must never come at the expense of national unity or human dignity. Public institutions, political parties, civil society organisations, media practitioners, educators, and community leaders all share a collective responsibility to foster an environment that encourages constructive dialogue, empathy, and understanding across communities. National unity cannot be achieved solely through slogans or enforcement measures, but through sustained commitment to justice, equality, and respect for diversity.

SUHAKAM also encourages the Government to strengthen human rights education, intercultural dialogue initiatives, and public awareness programmes aimed at combating racism, xenophobia, and prejudice in all forms. Building an inclusive society requires long-term efforts that address misinformation, stereotypes, and hate-based narratives before they escalate into discrimination or violence. National unity must be built on the recognition that every individual, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or background, is entitled to equal dignity, protection, and respect.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
13 May 2026