KUALA LUMPUR (15 MARCH 2026) –  The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Children’s Rights (APPGM-CR), and all the CSO working on children’s rights strongly condemn the recent use of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to detain children who are victims of terrorist recruitment through social media and online gaming platforms.

There is growing international concern that terrorist groups are increasingly exploiting digital spaces and online gaming platforms to recruit and indoctrinate children. These tactics are evolving rapidly and often outpace the responses of governments. In such circumstances, the children involved are primarily victims of manipulation, grooming, and indoctrination, and should therefore be addressed through protection, rehabilitation, and psychosocial intervention, rather than restrictive security detention.

While we welcome the reported release of the children involved on the 13th of March 2026, it is essential that any further action prioritizes structured rehabilitation and monitoring mechanisms, particularly in cases where children may have been subjected to attempted online extremist recruitment. Detaining children under SOSMA, a law designed to address serious national security threats, is inconsistent with the principle of the best interests of the child and undermines Malaysia’s obligation to protect children from exploitation. The use of SOSMA against children raises serious concerns, as the procedural law does not provide child-specific safeguards, adequate judicial oversight, or protections consistent with the child justice system, particularly in cases involving national security offences.

As a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) since 1995, Malaysia has clear international obligations to ensure that children are protected from arbitrary or prolonged deprivation of liberty. The justice system must also ensure that children’s treatment prioritizes the best interests of the child, due process, and meaningful access to justice.

The Child Act 2001 provides a clear legal framework that prioritises the care, protection, rehabilitation and welfare of children exposed to harm, exploitation or criminal influence. Children who have been targeted by extremist networks should therefore be addressed through child protection mechanisms, including counselling, deradicalisation programmes, family support and community-based rehabilitation. Such interventions should incorporate appropriate psychosocial support, structured monitoring and active parental involvement to reduce the risk of recurrence. Deradicalisation initiatives must also be designed to include child-sensitive and age-appropriate modules that take into account the developmental needs, vulnerabilities and best interests of the child.

SUHAKAM and APPGM-CR therefore call upon the Prime Minister of Malaysia to:

1. Immediately impose a moratorium on the use of SOSMA against children;
2. Ensure that children involved in such cases are treated as victims of exploitation and provided appropriate rehabilitation and protection under the Child Act 2001; and
3. Repeal SOSMA or amend the procedural law to introduce judicial oversight and safeguards that prevent its application arbitrarily by the upcoming July Parliamentary sitting.

Malaysia must adopt a child-centered and rights-based approach in responding to emerging threats of online extremist recruitment. Protecting children from terrorist exploitation requires strong child protection systems, early intervention, and rehabilitation, not prolonged security detention.

SUHAKAM and APPGM-CR remain committed to working with the Government and the enforcement agencies to ensure that Malaysia’s counter-terrorism measures uphold human rights and protect the best interests of every child.

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Issued jointly by:

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia Children’s Rights (APPGM-CR)

Endorsed by:

Initiative to Promote Tolerance & Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY)

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)

Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Noor Aziah Mohd Awal, SUHAKAM 1^st Children Commissioner

MANDIRI

KUALA LUMPUR (11 MARCH 2026) – In an era where digital narratives can either empower or endanger women and girls, ethical and responsible media practices are more critical than ever. Therefore, in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2026 on 8 March, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) and the Malaysian Media Council (MMM) jointly reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing gender equality, safeguarding human dignity, and strengthening ethical and responsible media practices in Malaysia.

International Women’s Day serves as a timely reminder that equality and non-discrimination must be reflected not only in law and policy, but also in public discourse. The media play a powerful role in shaping societal attitudes, influencing narratives, and reinforcing or challenging harmful stereotypes. As such, strengthening gender-responsive and rights-respecting media practices are essential to building a more inclusive and just society.

Following constructive engagement between both institutions, SUHAKAM and MMM have expressed their intention to strengthen dialogue and cooperation at the intersection of human rights and media governance. This engagement reflects the complementary roles of both institutions and shared recognition that ethical journalism and human rights protection are mutually reinforcing.

SUHAKAM, established under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 (Act 597), is mandated to promote and protect human rights, including equality, dignity, and freedom of expression. MMM, established under the Media Council Act 2025 (Act 868), is an independent statutory body responsible for upholding ethical journalism, administering the Media Council Code of Conduct, managing complaints on unethical media practices, and strengthening public trust in the media. This engagement recognises the independence and statutory mandates of both institutions while encouraging dialogue in the public interest.

Areas of potential collaboration may include joint capacity-building initiatives, the possible development of training modules, and the exploration of a working group to consider media ethics through a gender lens.

In this regard, both institutions intend to explore ways to:

• Promote gender and child sensitive as well as ethical media standards;
• Encourage responsible reporting on issues affecting women, children and other vulnerable communities.
• Support safer working environments for journalists, particularly women journalists, and addressing harassment and intimidation in the course of reporting.
• Strengthen institutional dialogue on complaints, accountability, and governance; and
• Enhance awareness of the role of media in advancing equality and preventing harm.

These initiatives are broadly aligned with Malaysia’s commitments under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which underscore the importance of addressing harmful stereotyping, gender-based discrimination, and violence through preventive and educational approaches.

Recent trends in online harassment and gendered misinformation underscore the urgency of this initiative. As Malaysia navigates an evolving media landscape shaped by digital transformation, misinformation, and emerging technologies, media freedom must continue to be exercised with responsibility and respect for human dignity. Upholding ethical standards while safeguarding freedom of expression is fundamental to democratic accountability and public trust.

In commemorating International Women’s Day, SUHAKAM and MMM call upon media practitioners, editors, policymakers, and the public to collectively foster a media environment that promotes equality, fairness, and respect. Advancing women’s rights and strengthening ethical journalism are shared responsibilities that require sustained commitment towards rights, justice and action.

Melissa Akhir, SUHAKAM Commissioner, said:

“International Women’s Day reminds us of the importance of fostering a media environment that promotes equality, fairness, and respect. Advancing women’s rights and strengthening ethical journalism are shared responsibilities that require sustained commitment.”

Gayathry Venkiteswaran, MMM Board Member, said:

“The Malaysian Media Council is pleased to work with SUHAKAM on this very important initiative to strengthen gender equality and sensitivity in news coverage, as we recognise that ethical, fair, and inclusive reporting is essential to public trust and democratic discourse. Gender-sensitive reporting helps the public better understand the realities and contributions of all members of society, leading to more accurate journalism and more informed public debate. We at the Malaysian Media Council commit to advancing newsroom standards that both safeguard press freedom and protect women journalists from discrimination, harassment, and threats that undermine their ability to report freely and safely.”

Together, both SUHAKAM and MMM reaffirm that a gender-responsive, rights-aligned and accountable media ecosystem is fundamental to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, can participate in public life with dignity, equality and safety.

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Issued jointly by:

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

Malaysian Media Council (MMM)

KUALA LUMPUR (8 MARCH 2026) – In conjunction with International Women’s Day observed this year under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls.”, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing and safeguarding gender equality and women’s rights, in line with international human rights standards, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

This year’s theme serves as a timely reminder that human rights must be realised in the everyday lives of all women and girls. These include the right to equality before the law and access to justice; the freedom to express themselves and access information; the right to safety in both digital and public spaces; and the ability to participate fully in cultural, scientific and civic life. When these rights are denied or constrained by gendered power dynamics, structural inequalities are reinforced and public trust in institutions is undermined.

SUHAKAM’s external priorities are aligned with the CEDAW Concluding Observations on Malaysia, particularly the four thematic areas identified for Malaysia’s Follow-up Report to CEDAW Concluding Observations due in June, namely:

1. The enactment of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation against women, including measures to strengthen women’s political leadership and to uphold the rights of women in detention.
2. The eradication of child marriage.
3. The issue of female genital mutilation (FGM); and
4. The protection of the human rights of refugee women and girls.

These priority areas reflect persistent gaps in law, policy and implementation that require urgent and coordinated national action. SUHAKAM will continue to monitor progress, engage relevant stakeholders and advocate for reforms consistent with Malaysia’s obligations under CEDAW, ensuring that commitments translate into tangible protection and equality for all women and girls.

Guided by the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APF) Gender Strategy that informs the work of national human rights institutions, and pursuant to its broader human rights mandate, SUHAKAM remains committed to addressing gender inequality in substance, structures and culture. This includes monitoring systems affecting women’s access to justice, safeguarding freedom of expression, supporting gender-responsive laws and policies, and confronting discrimination and gender-based violence in all its forms. These efforts reflect SUHAKAM’s determination to mainstream gender equality both internally and externally, fully integrated across all human rights principles.

Through its proposed parliamentary engagement under the APF Gender Strategy follow-up, SUHAKAM underscores International Women’s Day as a critical opportunity to move from commitment to action. SUHAKAM urges all duty bearers, especially government institutions, Parliament and key stakeholders, to work collectively to ensure that human rights are effectively protected and enforced and translated into concrete justice and meaningful outcomes for women and girls throughout Malaysia.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

8 March 2026

KUALA LUMPUR (7 MARCH 2026) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses grave concern over the recent military attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, which have significantly escalated tensions in the Middle East and placed civilian lives at grave risk.

Recent reports indicate that the strikes targeted multiple locations in Iran as part of a coordinated military operation, triggering retaliatory actions and raising fears of a wider regional conflict. The ongoing hostilities have already resulted in substantial casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. 

SUHAKAM emphasises that any use of force that undermines the territorial integrity or political independence of a State is contrary to the fundamental principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, in particular Article 2(4), and is inconsistent with the obligation of States to act in good faith as provided under Article 2(2). In this regard, SUHAKAM reiterates that all parties to an armed conflict are bound by international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law. These legal frameworks impose clear obligations on States and armed actors to always distinguish between civilians and combatants, to refrain from attacks on civilian infrastructure, and to ensure that any use of force complies with the principles of necessity, proportionality, and precaution.

SUHAKAM is particularly concerned by reports of civilian casualties and the risk of further harm to vulnerable populations, including women and children, as hostilities intensify. Armed conflict inevitably places civilians at the greatest risk, disrupts access to essential services, and exacerbates humanitarian suffering.

SUHAKAM therefore calls on all parties involved to:

1. Immediately cease actions that endanger civilian lives and civilian infrastructure;
2. Respect and comply fully with international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and civilian objects;
3. Exercise maximum restraint and prioritise diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation of the conflict; and
4. Ensure accountability for violations of international law, including attacks that may constitute war crimes.

As for the international intervention, SUHAKAM calls for the following actions:

1. The UN Security Council may promptly adopt a resolution to stop and address the war between the United States and Israel with Iran, as it is contrary to international law and the UN Charter, particularly Articles 2(4) and 51;
2. If the United States prevents the Security Council from acting to restore international peace and security, the UN General Assembly may convene under the “Uniting for Peace” resolution to address and stop the war between the United States and Israel with Iran; and
3. The General Assembly may recommend that its Member States impose arms and trade embargoes on all the parties to armed conflict.

At a time of escalating global tensions, SUHAKAM stresses that lasting peace and security can only be achieved through dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law. The international community must also play a constructive role in supporting de-escalation efforts and safeguarding the fundamental rights and dignity of all affected populations.

SUHAKAM stands in solidarity with all civilians affected by the conflict and reiterates that the protection of human life and human dignity must remain the foremost priority in any situation of armed conflict.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

7 March 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