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Suhakam reports forced conversion of Sarawakian native children over Mykad blunder

by In the news

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 — The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has called for immediate legal remedy to conversion involving minors after receiving complaints of indigenous children in Sarawak being forced to observe Islamic rituals.

Suhakam said much of the problem stemmed from interfaith marriages in which one of the spouses no longer wishes to practise Islamic teachings, often leading in their children being registered as Muslims despite being raised as followers of other faiths.

Critics have long cited the legal wrangle around the wedlock between partners of different faiths as the root cause of many explosive interfaith disputes that have strained race relations over the years.

“There were issues like pupils being forced to wear the baju kurung and veil just because Islam is stated in their MyKad,” the commission said in a Zoom press conference.

“They are also forced to attend religious classes at both the primary and secondary school level when in reality they never practiced Islamic teachings since they were young,” it added.

“This is a problem that in most cases arises from the divorce of parents who are Muslims (merely) by marriage. At the end the children become victims.”

Malaysia requires its citizens to carry identification cards which has their faith stated on it.

But vague policies and the politicisation of religion have led to conflicting administration on registration matters, often with severe ramifications for minorities, their children and even non-Muslim natives despite their special status as Bumiputera, rights groups have pointed out in the past.

Suhakam cited various complaints in Sarawak where indigenous people have had their Mykad stated Muslim by mistake because their names have bin or binti, common among Christian Bumiputera who practise their faith in Bahasa Melayu, the national language.

“When a few individuals of indigenous ethnicities or communities wanted to change to a new MyKad, applicants who are not Muslims or have never practiced the Islamic faith have their status changed to Islam (Muslim) just because their names have bin or binti,” it said.

Commissioner Madeline Berma noted the problem is usually human error on the part of JPN.

“It’s a straightforward administrative issue,” Berma said at the press conference.

“We’ve spoken with the Minister of Religious Affairs (Datuk Zulkifli Mohamad) and he told us it’s an administrative issue,” she added.

Suhakam said the complaints again underscored the need for clear laws to address interfaith matters particularly around conversion.

It also called for clear guidelines from the Education Ministry to prevent minority children from being forced to attend religious classes.

Rights groups alleged previous Barisan Nasional administrations lacked the political will to solve the matter for fear of upsetting its Malay-Muslim powerbase.

In 2017, the BN administration withdrew a landmark Bill from Parliament that would have prohibited the religious conversion of children to Islam with the consent of just one parent following protest from conservative Muslims.

Malay Mail

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SUHAKAM dedah kekejaman dalam sel, CCTV tak berfungsi

by In the news

PETALING JAYA: Insiden polis mengikat dan memukul seorang tahanan yang juga pesakit mental dan CCTV tidak berfungsi, semestinya mengundang persoalan dari sudut integriti – antara isu yang cuba ditangani Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) dalam laporannya hari ini.

Menerusi dapatannya berhubung beberapa isu membabitkan insiden di lokap polis dan pusat tahanan, SUHAKAM mengetengahkan kes kematian seorang lelaki berusia 30 tahun dalam tahanan di lokap balai polis Bentong pada 2020.

SUHAKAM berkata, mangsa, G Jestus Kevin ditahan pada 2 April kerana disyaki mencuri dan ditemui mati pada 5 Apr.

Menurut laporan, kematian itu disebabkan oleh meningoencephalitis (keradangan otak) dengan beberapa kesan kecederaan akibat objek tumpul.

Katanya, laporan perubatan menunjukkan mangsa mengalami banyak kecederaan termasuk patah tulang rusuk.

“Seorang tahanan telah memberi keterangan bahawa si mati diikat dengan selimut dan dipukul oleh tahanan lain dan seorang polis.

“Ia turut disahkan melalui rakaman CCTV di lokap terbabit,” kata Pesuruhjaya SUHAKAM Jerald Joseph dalam sidang media maya.

Laporan itu menyebut, mangsa tidak stabil secara mental dan didapati membuat bising, bercakap sendirian, memanjat tembok dan cuba membunuh diri.

“SUHAKAM berpendapat bahawa si mati seharusnya dihantar ke hospital untuk mendapatkan rawatan. Sebaliknya, si mati terus ditahan dan menjadi mangsa kecederaan yang disebabkan oleh tahanan lain di lokap. ”

Katanya, penemuan itu mengesyorkan tindakan tegas yang bersesuaian dengan undang-undang terhadap semua yang terlibat mencederakan mangsa.

Isu CCTV yang sering rosak dan tidak berfungsi di balai polis sering ditimbulkan, terutama selepas kejadian seorang gadis berusia 16 tahun yang diperkosa oleh seorang tahanan lelaki ketika ditahan di lokap balai polis Miri .

Joseph berkata, ini bukan kes terpencil. “Ada banyak balai polis lain yang tidak memiliki CCTV yang berfungsi.”

Katanya, CCTV juga penting bagi polis untuk mempertahankan diri daripada sebarang tuduhan. “Dengan CCTV, polis dapat menjaga integriti mereka.”

Penemuan ini turut menyentuh mengenai isu penyakit berjangkit di penjara dan pusat tahanan.

“SUHAKAM mendapati kebanyakan pusat tahanan di Malaysia, terutama penjara dan depot imigresen mempunyai kes penyakit kulit berjangkit, seperti kudis dan Hepatitis C dalam kalangan tahanan,” katanya.

Beliau percaya ini disebabkan oleh masalah kesesakan di pusat tersebut dan telah mengesyorkan “dekriminalisasi” terhadap penggunaan dadah dapat menyelesaikan masalah tersebut.

Free Malaysia Today

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Suhakam: Cop bribed detainees with cigarettes to beat up man who died in Bentong police station

by In the news

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 — The National Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) said today G. Jestus Kevin had been assaulted by other detainees before he died at the Bentong district police headquarters in Pahang last year, a case that prompted public uproar.

The 30-year-old man died of multiple blunt force trauma, cardiomyopathy and liver steatosis, according to forensic results that point to injuries sustained by the assault.

The commission’s investigation found the detainees had likely acted on police encouragement. Kevin was said to have suffered from mental illnesses and had been delirious while in detention, which prompted an officer to order other detainees to “calm him down.”

Suhakam said eyewitnesses reported Kevin being tied by a blanket and then beaten up by several other detainees, some of whom had been bribed with cigarettes.

Closed-circuit television footage confirmed their account of the incident, the commission noted.

“The forensic results found the deceased had died of ‘meningoencephalitis with multiple blunt force trauma’ and ‘cardiomyopathy and liver steatosis’,” Suhakam said in a written briefing made available to the press.

“Suhakam through statements provided by the forensic doctors can confirm that the deceased had sustained many injuries, including broken ribs,” it added.

Kevin was arrested and detained on suspicion of theft on April 2. He was found dead three days after.

Suhakam said there was clear negligence on the part of the police who failed to provide help to a detainee who suffered from mental health conditions.

“This is because for the entire duration he was in lockup, he was said to have made noises, talked to himself, climbed the walls, jumped and even attempted to commit suicide,” the commission noted.

“Suhakam is of the opinion that the deceased should have been sent to the hospital to get treatment from a medical officer based on his actions and the unstable mental state he was in,” it added.

“Instead, he was immediately detained and eventually became the victim of violence by other detainees.”

The commission has called for swift justice and stern action against Kevin’s assailants while urging the government to remedy the longstanding problems around police professionalism and logistical inadequacy.

“We have identified the detainees and police officers believed to have assaulted the deceased while in custody,” it said.

“Therefore, stern action in accordance with the law must be exacted on all of those involved.”  

Malay Mail

PS

Press Statement No.2 -2021 Proclamation of Emergency

by Press Statement

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (13 JANUARY 2021)   –   The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses its concern on the Proclamation of Emergency announced recently by the Government, which is currently effective from 11 January 2021 until 1 August 2021.

The Proclamation of Emergency, which was issued to contain COVID-19 is unjustifiable, since the Government has just imposed the movement control orders from 13 until 26 January 2021. SUHAKAM notes that the number of COVID-19 cases has been on the rise since the past few months. However, the current measures undertaken by the Government including the movement control orders and strict adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) by everyone may be sufficient to contain the pandemic. 

SUHAKAM also notes that during the Emergency period, Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies will be prorogued (suspended) until further notice. SUHAKAM stresses that Parliament is the central institution of democracy and it is a body entrusted with the oversight function to ensure that the Government is fully accountable to the people. In view of the aforementioned announcement, SUHAKAM is concerned about the lack of check and balance on the concentration of executive powers of the Government during the period of Emergency. 

In this regard, SUHAKAM urges the Government to uphold their duty and responsibility to respect the rule of law and continue to protect the fundamental liberties of the citizens as guaranteed under the Federal Constitution in its efforts to contain the pandemic. SUHAKAM emphasises that the state of Emergency should be guided by human rights principles and should not be used for any purpose other than to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. SUHAKAM also calls upon the Government to provide timely and effective measures to support the enjoyment of core economic and social rights of the people, particularly the vulnerable communities affected by the state of Emergency and the movement control orders. These measures include the provision of support for livelihood, food, education, social protection and health.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

13 January 2021

Media queries: Contact Mrs. Norashikin Hamzah at 03-2612 5687 / 019-621 5336 or shikin@suhakam.org.my

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (13 JANUARI 2021)   –   Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) menzahirkan kebimbangan berkenaan pengumuman Proklamasi Darurat oleh Kerajaan baru-baru ini yang bermula daripada 11 Januari 2021 hingga 1 Ogos 2021.

Proklamasi Darurat yang dikeluarkan bagi membendung wabak COVID-19 tidak boleh dijustifikasikan memandangkan Kerajaan baru sahaja melaksanakan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan daripada 13 hingga 26 Januari 2021. SUHAKAM mengambil maklum bahawa terdapat peningkatan kes COVID-19 sejak beberapa bulan ini. Walau bagaimanapun, langkah-langkah yang telah diambil oleh Kerajaan termasuk Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan dan pematuhan yang ketat terhadap Prosedur Operasi Standard (SOP) oleh rakyat dilihat mencukupi untuk membendung penularan wabak tersebut. 

SUHAKAM turut mengambil maklum bahawa dalam tempoh Darurat, Parlimen dan Dewan Undangan Negeri akan ditangguhkan (digantung) sehingga dimaklumkan kelak. SUHAKAM menekankan bahawa Parlimen adalah institusi utama demokrasi dan merupakan badan yang diamanahkan dengan fungsi pengawasan bagi memastikan Kerajaan bertanggungjawab sepenuhnya terhadap rakyat. Melihat kepada pengumuman ini, SUHAKAM bimbang tentang ketiadaan semak imbang terhadap penumpuan kuasa eksekutif Kerajaan sepanjang tempoh Darurat.

Dalam hal ini, SUHAKAM menggesa Kerajaan agar mendukung tugas dan tanggungjawab mereka dalam menghormati kedaulatan undang-undang dan terus melindungi kebebasan asasi rakyat yang dijamin di bawah Perlembagaan Persekutuan dalam usaha mengawal wabak ini. SUHAKAM menekankan bahawa Darurat seharusnya berpandukan prinsip hak asasi manusia dan tidak patut digunakan untuk tujuan lain selain daripada menangani wabak COVID-19. SUHAKAM turut menyeru Kerajaan untuk mengatur langkah-langkah yang efektif bagi menyokong pemenuhan hak ekonomi dan sosial rakyat terutamanya golongan rentan yang terjejas oleh Darurat dan perintah kawalan pergerakan. Langkah-langkah ini termasuk peruntukan sokongan kelangsungan hidup, makanan, pendidikan, perlindungan sosial dan kesihatan.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

13 Januari 2021

Pertanyaan Media: Sila hubungi Pn. Norashikin Hamzah melalui 03-2612 5687 / 019-621 5336 atau shikin@suhakam.org.my

PS

Press Statement No. 1 – 2021 Freedom of Association

by Press Statement

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (9 JANUARY 2021)   –   The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses its concerns regarding the recent news reports on the Registrar of Societies (RoS)’s rejection of the application for registration by both PEJUANG and the Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (MUDA) as political parties.

SUHAKAM stresses that the freedom of association is a fundamental liberty guaranteed to every citizen under Article 10(1)(c) of the Federal Constitution and the same rights enjoyed under Article 20(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).  In this regard, SUHAKAM is of the view that there is a need to review the Societies Act 1966 as it contains provisions which may be deemed as inconsistent with the principles of human rights, particularly the right to freedom of association.

The Societies Act 1966 is an Act enacted to govern matters relating to the registration of societies. In accordance with the Act, matters relating to the registration of societies are under the purview of the RoS. In the past, SUHAKAM has made recommendations on reforms to be made to the Societies Act which included, among others, the following:  the proportionate exercise of the powers by the RoS for the purpose of the said Act, the review on the absolute discretion of the Minister to declare a society unlawful, the provision of a specific timeframe for the RoS’ decision on a registration application and communication to the applicant on the decision, and the obligation for RoS to furnish reasons for declining or not responding to an application for registration of associations.

Aside from the recommendations above, SUHAKAM proposes that the registration of societies including political parties be administered by an independent entity instead of a government department. This would further guarantee the impartiality and neutrality in the administration of matters relating to the registration of societies. 

In line with the Federal Constitution and the spirit of democracy, SUHAKAM calls upon the Government to review the Societies Act 1966 and SUHAKAM stands ready to assist the Government on this matter. In the interim, SUHAKAM hopes that the RoS carries out its functions and duties in a fair-minded and human rights compliant approach.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

9 January 2021

Media queries: Contact Mrs. Norashikin Hamzah at 03-2612 5687 / 019-621 5336 or shikin@suhakam.org.my

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (9 JANUARI 2021)   –   Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) menzahirkan kebimbangan terhadap laporan media baru-baru ini berhubung tindakan Jabatan Pendaftaran Pertubuhan (RoS) menolak permohonan pendaftaran Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (PEJUANG) dan Parti Ikatan Demokratik Malaysia (MUDA) sebagai parti politik.

SUHAKAM menekankan bahawa kebebasan berpersatuan adalah kebebasan asas yang dijamin kepada setiap rakyat di bawah Perkara 10(1)(c) Perlembagaan Persekutuan dan hak yang sama dinikmati di bawah Perkara 20(1) Perisytiharan Hak Asasi Manusia Sejagat (UDHR).  Sehubungan itu, SUHAKAM berpandangan bahawa terdapat keperluan untuk mengkaji semula Akta Pertubuhan 1966 kerana ia mengandungi peruntukan-peruntukan yang boleh dianggap tidak selaras dengan prinsip hak asasi manusia terutamanya hak berpersatuan.

Akta Pertubuhan 1966 merupakan Akta yang digubal untuk mentadbir urus perkara berkaitan dengan pendaftaran pertubuhan. Menurut Akta ini, hal ehwal berkaitan pendaftaran pertubuhan adalah di bawah bidang kuasa RoS. Sebelum ini, SUHAKAM telah mengesyorkan agar pembaharuan dibuat ke atas Akta Pertubuhan dan antaranya termasuk pelaksanaan kuasa secara wajar oleh RoS untuk tujuan Akta tersebut, kajian semula terhadap budi bicara mutlak Menteri untuk mengisytiharkan suatu pertubuhan itu sebagai pertubuhan yang menyalahi undang-undang, peruntukan tempoh masa yang tertentu untuk RoS membuat keputusan terhadap suatu permohonan pendaftaran dan makluman kepada pemohon berhubung  keputusan tersebut, dan kewajipan RoS untuk memberikan alasan bagi penolakan atau tidak memberi maklum balas terhadap permohonan pendaftaran pertubuhan. 

Selain daripada syor-syor yang dinyatakan di atas, SUHAKAM mencadangkan agar pendaftaran pertubuhan termasuk parti politik ditadbir urus oleh entiti bebas dan bukan jabatan Kerajaan. Ini akan turut menjamin kesaksamaan dan sifat berkecuali dalam tadbir urus hal ehwal berkaitan pendaftaran pertubuhan. 

Selaras dengan Perlembagaan Persekutan dan semangat demokrasi, SUHAKAM menyeru agar Kerajaan mengkaji semula Akta Pertubuhan 1966 dan SUHAKAM sentiasa bersedia untuk membantu Kerajaan dalam perkara ini. Buat masa ini, SUHAKAM berharap agar RoS menjalankan fungsi dan tugasnya berdasarkan pendekatan yang adil dan selaras dengan hak asasi manusia.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

9 Januari 2021

Pertanyaan Media: Sila hubungi Pn. Norashikin Hamzah melalui 03-2612 5687 / 019-621 5336 atau shikin@suhakam.org.my

RECOVER BETTER

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY VIRTUAL FORUM 2020

by Announcements

Human Rights Day Virtual Forum 2020 was held on December 10, 2020 from 9.00am to 12 noon.

In the midst of the COVID-19, the Human Rights Day Virtual Forum 2020 focused on the various challenges faced by different actors with the theme of “Recover Better”. Discussions at this year’s forum examined the various challenges faced by different actors during the pandemic, weighing the protection of human rights versus recovery and the preservation of life, as well as exploring best practices in moving ahead and rebuilding better together.

International human rights standards can strengthen the effectiveness of interventions, bringing attention to people often left behind, such as persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, migrants, refugees and internally displaced people, and, in particular, older people. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights stressed during her recent briefing to the Human Rights Council that in every stage of this pandemic, including the recovery, it is imperative to involve National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), as well as civil society and human rights defenders.

The forum began with welcoming remarks by Tan Sri Othman Hashim, Chairman of SUHAKAM, and an opening address by H.E. Stefan Priesner, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam. Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Minister of Foreign Affairs then officiated the virtual event. The eminent speakers reiterated the importance of global solidarity in the promotion, protection and advocacy for economic, social and cultural rights of vulnerable communities, as well as to address racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, towards a more sustainable planet and just society.

After the speeches, three videos were shared. The first was a video presentation of Malaysia’s bid for a seat at the Human Rights Council for the term 2022-2024. The second was a special video message by António Guterres, the UN Secretary General. He stressed the importance of promoting human rights to build a better future for all. Finally, a video titled “Community Voices: The COVID-19 Effect” presented a compilation of personal testimonies of community representatives from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, recounting the impacts of the pandemic and movement restrictions.

The virtual forum then commenced, consisting of two sessions. Session 1 discussed “COVID-19 and Human Rights”, moderated by Dato’ Mah Weng Kwai, Commissioner of SUHAKAM. Datuk Dr Hartini Zainudin, Co-Founder, Yayasan Chow Kit; Vice President, Voice of the Children, provided harrowing accounts of difficulties faced by parents and marginalised children, particularly stateless, refugee and migrant children during the pandemic. She emphasised the significance of building alternatives to detention (ATD) for children and stressed that policies and legislations in Malaysia must be reformed to leave no child behind.

Dr Lo Ying-Ru, Head of Mission and WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, then discussed the role of the UN and the WHO in responding to the pandemic, how can human rights principles support public health priorities in the context of COVID-19, and also access to vaccines, medicines and treatment. She expressed confidence that Malaysia has the capacity to deliver and administer the COVID-19 vaccines.

Next, Dr Asiah binti Ayob, Deputy Director, Disease Control Division (Surveillance), Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), delivered a speech on behalf of Dato’ Dr Chong Chee Kheong, Deputy Director General of Health (Public Health). She shared how the MOH have been working with the National Security Council and other stakeholders to manage the pandemic, without discrimination, prejudice or stigma, and also drew attention to the serious challenge of combatting fake news.

After that, Session 2 continued the conversation discussing the topic “Recover Better, Rebuild Together”, moderated by Prof Dato’ Dr Noor Aziah binti Mohd Awal, Children’s Commissioner of SUHAKAM. Mr Kolony Anak Gunting, Deputy Undersecretary of Community Development, Senior Citizen and Disabled, Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) kick started the session by presenting the challenges of movement restrictions faced by the government during the pandemic.

Ms Shivani Verma, Human Rights Officer, OHCHR Southeast Asia Regional Office, followed by highlighting two lessons from this pandemic: the profound value of human rights-based approach rooted in non-discrimination, and inclusion and participation. She presented an existing vaccine to hunger, poverty and inequality, and possibly to climate change and other ills faced by humanity – Human Rights. Only when this vaccine is accepted can lessons from this pandemic be fully understood and applied in the future.

Following from that, Ms Allison Low, President, Protem Petaling Jaya Child Council (PPJCC); President, Child Consultative Council under Office of the Children’s Commissioner, SUHAKAM, shared that children now face many dangers online and increasing stress from online education. She called for better communication between children and parents.

Last but not least, Mr Jufitri Joha, President, Malaysian Youth Council (Majlis Belia Malaysia, MBM); Chairman, National Federation of Youth Workers (Federasi Kebangsaan Pekerja Belia, FKPB) offered insights into the work of the MBM in creating platforms for the voices of youth, including from marginalised groups, to be heard at various levels of decision-making and policymaking. The Human Rights Day Virtual Forum was brought to a close by Dato’ Takiyuddin bin Hassan, Minister In Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law), who reiterated the importance of the UDHR in recognising that all human are born free and equal in dignity and rights, regardless of their race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.