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PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (13 JUNE 2024) — SUHAKAM is deeply concerned about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has been described as “beyond catastrophic” by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, during his recent visit to Malaysia. The United States (US) must move beyond rhetoric’s and ensure that Israel fully complies unconditionally with the recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2735 (2024) on 10 June 2024.

The US must not only exercise its veto to derail their recognition but also stop providing arms which are being used to kill the women and children in Gaza. A ceasefire must be followed by a comprehensive reconstruction plan to restore Gaza and make it liveable again. The international community, in collaboration with local authorities, must prioritize rebuilding homes, hospitals, schools, and infrastructure. Ensuring access to basic necessities such as clean water, food, and medical care is paramount.

SUHAKAM call for the safe and voluntary return of displaced Palestinians to their homes. Displacement has caused immense hardship and disrupted countless lives. Efforts must be made to facilitate their return and reintegration into their communities, providing them with the support needed to rebuild their lives.

SUHAKAM also urges on all parties involved to immediately cease hostilities and engage in constructive dialogue to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. It is imperative that international humanitarian law is upheld and that all necessary measures are taken to protect the lives and rights of civilians. The ongoing conflict has resulted in severe human suffering, widespread destruction, and an urgent need for international intervention.

The escalating violence has led to a significant loss of lives, including many innocent civilians, and has exacerbated an already critical humanitarian crisis. The destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and infrastructure has left countless individuals and families without access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and medical care.

The ongoing occupation and discriminatory policies must end. An apartheid regime violates fundamental human rights and perpetuates inequality and injustice. The international community must take decisive action to dismantle these oppressive structures and ensure equal rights for all.

SUHAKAM fully supports Volker Türk’s call for accountability and the end of impunity in Gaza and the West Bank. We urge all parties involved to respect international humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilian lives. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the deteriorating situation in the West Bank demand immediate and coordinated action from the global community.

We urge the Malaysian government to continue its efforts in providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza and to work closely with international organizations and other nations to ensure the delivery of aid and support to those in need. Additionally, SUHAKAM encourages the global community to increase their efforts in addressing the root causes of the conflict and to support initiatives aimed at achieving a lasting peace in the region.

In such times, SUHAKAM stands in solidarity with the people of Gaza and reaffirms its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights for all. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families and call for urgent and coordinated action to alleviate the suffering of the affected population.

Finally, SUHAKAM urges the international community to hold Israel accountable for its genocidal actions, in line with the case initiated by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). SUHAKAM also calls for the perpetrators to be held responsible for their inhuman transgressions and for the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor to conduct just and fair investigations into the war crimes committed, without any interference.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

13 June 2024

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (9 JUNE 2024) – SUHAKAM is closely monitoring the recent actions taken by the Sabah state government concerning the Bajau Laut community in Semporna. Several homes have been demolished as part of the Sabah state government’s initiatives to enhance security and protect the environment within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. While prior notice was given to the affected communities, SUHAKAM acknowledges the need to assess the broader humanitarian impact of these actions.

The Bajau Laut are a unique and historically marginalized community facing significant challenges, including limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education. While recognizing the state government’s intention to enhance security, SUHAKAM emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach that addresses the immediate needs of those affected by the demolitions.

SUHAKAM advocates for immediate assistance to be provided to the displaced members of the Bajau Laut community. This includes ensuring access to temporary housing, medical care, and educational resources to minimize the disruption to their lives.

We encourage ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the state government, the Bajau Laut community, and humanitarian organizations to develop sustainable and inclusive strategies that address broader issues while respecting the rights and dignity of all individuals involved.

SUHAKAM remains committed to monitoring the situation closely and working towards solutions that uphold human rights.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
9 June 2024

KUALA LUMPUR (31 MAY 2024) — SUHAKAM was represented by Commissioner Prof. Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal during the recent 88th session of the CEDAW Committee hearing in Geneva on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.

The Committee on CEDAW, a body of independent experts, monitors the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. CEDAW, an international bill of rights for women, was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1979 and came into force in 1981. Malaysia ratified the Convention in 1995 and, as a signatory, is reviewed by the UN every four years.

SUHAKAM commends the Malaysian government for sending a high-level delegation headed by Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, YB Nancy Shukri, along with senior officers of the ministry. The presence of the Honourable Minister was noted by the Committee, which expressed their elation at such a high-level presence. The Committee took note of developments in areas of equal recognition through laws and proposed amendments to the Federal Constitution. Positive developments include the enactment of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022 [Act 840], amendments to the Employment (Amendment) Act 2022, and the introduction of anti-stalking laws in the Penal Code. However, the Government acknowledged ongoing challenges, notably the need for better representation of women in Parliament.

SUHAKAM attended and was allowed 5 minutes intervention at the Committee hearing and acknowledged the positive steps taken by Malaysia towards compliance with the Convention. During the formal discussions, the Committee raised several questions, including Malaysia’s reservations on Articles 9(2) and 16(1) (a), (c), (f), and (g) of CEDAW and the status of the ratification of the optional protocol of CEDAW. Other issues discussed included the harmonization of Syariah and civil laws, the effectiveness of the Domestic Violence Act, measures taken to reduce statelessness among women, the criminalization of out-of-wedlock pregnancy, proposed amendments to the Education Act, the introduction of indigenous languages as a medium of instruction in schools, unpaid care work, the impact of climate change, and the plight of women on death row. The Committee stressed that the Government should focus on policies and laws that will benefit all women, particularly those from the most marginalized communities.

Prior to the formal proceedings, on May 20th, SUHAKAM presented a detailed statement in an informal session with the Committee. Among the issues highlighted by SUHAKAM were citizenship issues, female genital mutilation, child marriage, and sexual harassment. SUHAKAM urges Malaysia to engage with all Malaysian stakeholders on a regular basis to identify areas of shortcomings and propose steps moving forward to address existing reservations.

SUHAKAM commends the commitment made by the Malaysian Government to the CEDAW reporting process and is hopeful that the Committee’s recommendations will act as a catalyst in further advancing women’s rights and the broader human rights agenda in Malaysia.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

31 May 2024

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Malaysia Dipuji atas Kemajuan Hak Wanita di CEDAW

KUALA LUMPUR (31 MEI 2024) —SUHAKAM telah diwakili oleh Pesuruhjaya Prof. Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal pada sesi ke-88 pendengaran Jawatankuasa CEDAW di Geneva mengenai penghapusan diskriminasi terhadap wanita.

Jawatankuasa CEDAW adalah sebuah badan bebas yang memantau pelaksanaan Konvensyen mengenai penghapusan segala bentuk diskriminasi terhadap wanita. Triti undang-undang -undang antarabangsa untuk wanita ini telah diterima pakai oleh Perhimpunan Agung PBB pada tahun 1979 dan mula berkuat kuasa pada tahun 1981. Malaysia meratifikasi Konvensyen itu pada tahun 1995 dan sebagai Negara Pihak, prestasinya akan dinilai semula oleh PBB setiap empat tahun.

SUHAKAM memuji kerajaan Malaysia menghantar delegasi yang diketuai oleh Menteri Wanita, Keluarga dan Pembangunan Masyarakat, YB Nancy Shukri dengan diiringi oleh pegawai kanan Kementerian.  Jawatankuasa menzahirkan penghargaan mereka atas kehadiran Yang Berhormat Menteri dan mengambil maklum perkembangan  undang-undang dan cadangan pindaan kepada Perlembagaan Persekutuan yang dibentangkan, termasuk perkembangan positif iaitu penggubalan Akta Anti Gangguan Seksual 2022 [Akta 840], pindaan Akta Kerja (Pindaan) 2022, dan pengenalan Undang-Undang Menghendap (anti-stalking) dalam Kanun Keseksaan. Kerajaan mengakui akan cabaran yang berterusan, terutamanya keperluan untuk perwakilan wanita yang lebih baik di Parlimen.

SUHAKAM telah diberikan lima minit untuk menyampaikan kenyataan intervensi pada sesi pendengaran dan mengakui langkah-langkah positif yang diambil oleh Malaysia untuk pematuhan Konvensyen tersebut.  Semasa sesi perbincangan, Jawatankuasa mengajukan beberapa soalan, termasuk reservasi Malaysia pada Artikel 9(2) dan 16(1) (a), (c), (f), dan (g) CEDAW serta status pengesahan protokol pilihan CEDAW. Antara isu lain yang dibincangkan termasuk penyelarasan undang-undang Syariah dan sivil, keberkesanan Akta Keganasan Rumah Tangga, langkah-langkah yang diambil untuk mengurangkan tanpa kewarganegaraab dalam kalangan wanita, penyahjenayahan luar nikah yang dicadangkan kepada Akta Pendidikan, pengenalan Bahasa Orang Asal/Asli sebagai bahasa pengantar di sekolah, khidmat penjagaan yang tidak dibayar, kesan perubahan iklim, dan kebajikan banduan akhir wanita. Jawatankuasa menekankan bahawa Kerajaan harus memberi tumpuan kepada dasar dan undang-undang yang akan memberi manfaat kepada semua wanita, terutamanya mereka daripada golongan rentan.

Sebelum prosiding rasmi dijalankan, pada 20 Mei, SUHAKAM telah mengemukakan kenyataan terperinci dalam sesi tidak rasmi dengan Jawatankuasa. Antara isu yang diketengahkan oleh SUHAKAM adalah isu kewarganegaraan, khitan kanak-kanak perempuan, perkahwinan kanak-kanak, dan gangguan seksual. SUHAKAM menggesa Malaysia untuk melibatkan pihak berkepentingan secara berkala untuk mengenal pasti kekurangan dan mencadangkan langkah-langkah ke hadapan untuk mengatasi reservasi yang masih ada.

SUHAKAM memuji komitmen oleh Kerajaan Malaysia terhadap proses pelaporan CEDAW dan berharap cadangan Jawatankuasa ini akan bertindak sebagai pemangkin dalam memajukan lagi hak wanita dan agenda hak asasi manusia yang lebih meluas di Malaysia.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

31 Mei 2024

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (3 APRIL 2024) –The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Amendment Bill 2023 (SUHAKAM Bill 2023) was passed in the Senate (Dewan Negara) on 2 April 2024. This Bill aims to enhance the Commission’s function and independence in promoting and protecting human rights in Malaysia.

The amendments to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 [Act 597] would strengthen SUHAKAM’s capacity to investigate and report on human rights abuses and this would align with Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions. The presence of a full functioning Paris Principles-compliant National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) is an indicator of progress towards the realisation of the SDGs (SDG 16.1a). As an independent state body with a constitutional mandate to protect and promote human rights, SUHAKAM contributes significantly to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

The passing of the Bill will enable SUHAKAM to better function as an independent oversight body, monitoring Malaysia’s human rights situation in line with international standards. Enhancing SUHAKAM’s role and functions in upholding and advancing human rights in Malaysia will contribute to the development of a just and equitable society.

SUHAKAM would like to express our utmost appreciation to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) YB Datuk Seri Azalina Binti Othman Said for her efforts in strengthening SUHAKAM’s role through institutional reform. We would also like to thank her deputy, YB Tuan M. Kulasegaran A/L V. Murugeson for presenting the SUHAKAM Bill 2023. SUHAKAM acknowledges the issues presented and debated by the 11 Senators and appreciates the support given to amending the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 [Act 597].

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

3 April 2024

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Pindaan Akta SUHAKAM Diluluskan di Dewan Negara

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (3 APRIL 2024) — Rang undang-undang Pindaan Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia 2023 (RUU SUHAKAM 2023) telah diluluskan di Dewan Negara pada 2 April 2024. Rang undang-undang ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan fungsi dan kebebasan Suruhanjaya dalam mempromosikan dan melindungi hak asasi manusia di Malaysia.

Pindaan kepada Akta Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia 1999 [Akta 597] akan mengukuhkan kapasiti SUHAKAM untuk menyiasat dan melaporkan pelanggaran hak asasi manusia , sejajar dengan Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan 16 (SDG 16) yang memberi tumpuan kepada keamanan, keadilan, dan institusi yang kukuh. Kewujudan Institusi Hak Asasi Manusia Kebangsaan (NHRI) berfungsi sepenuhnya dan mematuhi Prinsip-prinsip Paris merupakan tanda aras kemajuan ke arah merealisasikan SDG (SDG 16.1 a). Sebagai sebuah badan berkanun bebas dengan mandat Perlembagaan untuk melindungi dan mempromosikan hak asasi manusia, SUHAKAM dapat menyumbang secara signifikan kepada pencapaian Agenda 2030.

Pindaan ini adalah penting bagi SUHAKAM untuk berfungsi sebagai badan pengawasan bebas, dan dapat memantau keadaan hak asasi manusia Malaysia, mengikut piawaian antarabangsa. Pengukuhan peranan dan fungsi SUHAKAM dalam menegakkan dan memajukan hak asasi manusia juga akan dapat menyumbang ke arah pembangunan masyarakat yang adil dan saksama di Malaysia.

SUHAKAM ingin mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan kepada YB Dato’ Sri Azalina Binti Othman Said, Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Undang-undang dan Reformasi Institusi) atas usaha beliau mengukuhkan peranan SUHAKAM melalui reformasi institusi. Kami juga ingin mengambil peluang untuk mengucapkan terima kasih kepada Timbalan Menteri, YB Tuan M. Kulasegaran A/L V. Murugeson atas pembentangan RUU SUHAKAM 2023 di Dewan Negara pada hari ini. SUHAKAM mengambil maklum mengenai isu-isu yang dibentang dan dibahaskan oleh 11 Senator dan menghargai sokongan yang telah diberikan terhadap pindaan Akta Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia 1999 (Akta 597) ini.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

3 April 2024

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (9 MARCH 2024) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) reiterates its concerns and objections to the proposed series of amendments to the citizenship provisions of the Federal Constitution. However, SUHAKAM supports and welcomes the proposal to amend Article 14(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution to recognize gender equality. The response of the Home Affairs Minister, Dato’ Seri Saifuddin Nasution, stating that the National Registration Department (NRD) has been actively clearing the backlog of citizenship applications, is applauded and highly appreciated.

However, SUHAKAM’s major concern lies with the other five proposed amendments which will affect children born out of wedlock to Malaysian men, stateless children adopted by Malaysian parents, and foundlings. Our concerns revolve around the fact that such significant issues of citizenship provisions and rights must be enshrined in the Constitution and not left to the discretion of the Minister.

The major hurdle within the existing provisions is the bureaucracy and unresponsive attitude of the NRD towards applicants. There is already a significant trust deficit in the workings of the bureaucracy, and the thrust of the proposed amendments, which shifts constitutional rights to the discretion of civil servants, is highly unsatisfactory. It is without a doubt that the proposed amendments would exacerbate statelessness among children.

The proposed amendment to Section 19B Part III of the Second Schedule, requiring any person to register foundlings within one year, is regressive for the innocent child as it deprives them of citizenship due to parental or other third-party neglect.

SUHAKAM is appalled that despite strong objections, the Cabinet seems to have agreed to all the proposed amendments. SUHAKAM has repeatedly raised its concerns that these proposals would aggravate the challenges faced by intergenerational justice for stateless individuals in Malaysia. These proposed oppressive and regressive amendments would then create generational issues of statelessness, further burdening the State with individuals who are unable to fend for themselves and contribute to the nation.

In view of the aforementioned issues, SUHAKAM once again urges the Government to seriously adopt a holistic and comprehensive approach in addressing these citizenship issues. A thorough research on the potential impacts of these amendments should be conducted, and the Government must engage a strategic collective engagement of stakeholders, including civil society organizations (CSOs) and experts in children’s rights and statelessness, in an extensive consultation process. It is crucial that each amendment be carefully considered for its unique implications to ensure that the fundamental rights of all individuals, particularly children, are upheld.

Again, SUHAKAM reiterates that the right to a nationality is a fundamental human right, and as a State Party to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Government should ensure that there are no stateless children in the country by taking steps towards the elimination of statelessness.

At the same time, the indigenous populations of Sabah, Sarawak, and the Orang Asal have also expressed their concerns on the matter. Unfortunately, there are still indigenous people in the outskirts of Sabah who are permanent residents due to documentation issues. Subsequent to the proposed amendments, children from these couples will no longer be citizens by operation of law. CSOs from Sabah have frequently expressed such concerns, but still, no action has been taken to resolve the matter.

SUHAKAM stand is clear, and we must stop blaming the children’s history and instead make efforts to overcome statelessness while prioritizing the child’s best interests. After all, all children are innocent.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
9 March 2024

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SUHAKAM Membantah Pindaan Kewarganegaraan

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (9 MAC 2024) —SUHAKAM tetap berpendirian tegas menyuarakan kebimbangan dan bantahan terhadap cadangan pindaan beberapa peruntukan mengenai kewarganegaraan dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Namun begitu, SUHAKAM menyokong dan mengalu-alukan cadangan untuk meminda Perkara 14(1)(b) Perlembagaan Persekutuan bagi mengiktiraf kesaksamaan gender. Kenyataan dari Menteri Dalam Negeri, Dato’ Seri Saifuddin Nasution bahawa Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) sedang menyelesaikan tunggakan permohonan kewargengraan secara aktif juga wajar diberi pujian.

Kebimbangan utama SUHAKAM adalah kepada lima cadangan pindaan lain yang akan menjejaskan anak-anak yang dilahirkan di luar perkahwinan bersama lelaki warganegara Malaysia, anak tanpa kewarganegaraan yang diambil sebagai anak angkat oleh pasangan warganegara Malaysia dan, kanak-kanak yang ditemui tanpa keluarga. Ini berkisar kepada isu penting seperti peruntukan hak kewarganegaraan yang seharusnya termaktub dalam Perlembagaan dan tidak sepatutnya diserahkan kepada budi bicara Menteri.

Halangan utama dalam peruntukan sedia ada adalah birokrasi dan sikap tidak responsif JPN terhadap pemohon. Wujud rasa tidak percaya yang ketara dalam kerja-kerja birokrasi, malah,  inti cadangan pindaan yang memindahkan hak-hak perlembagaan kepada budi bicara pegawai awam, adalah sangat tidak munasabah. Amat ketara bahawa pindaan yang dicadangkan akan memburukkan lagi situasi tanpa kewarganegaraan melibatkan kanak-kanak.

Cadangan pindaan kepada Seksyen 19B Bahagian III Jadual Kedua, yang memerlukan mana-mana orang untuk mendaftarkan anak-anak yang ditemui dalam tempoh satu tahun, adalah langkah regresif untuk kanak-kanak yang tidak bersalah kerana ia menafikan hak kewarganegaraan mereka akibat pengabaian ibu bapa atau pihak ketiga yang lain.

SUHAKAM amat kecewa dengan jemaah kabinet yang telah bersetuju dengan semua pindaan yang dicadangkan meskipun terdapat bantahan secara besar-besaran terhadap perkara ini. SUHAKAM telah berulang kali mengutarakan kebimbangan bahawa cadangan ini akan memburukkan lagi cabaran yang dihadapi oleh individu tanpa kewarganegaraan di Malaysia. Cadangan pindaan yang menindas dan regresif ini akan terus mewujudkan isu-isu generasi tanpa kewarganegaraan yang tidak akan berkesudahan dan ia semakin membebankan negara kerana golongan ini tidak dapat berdikari dan menyumbang kepada negara.

Mengambil kira isu-isu yang dinyatakan, SUHAKAM sekali lagi menggesa kerajaan untuk mengambil tindakan yang tegas dengan mengambil pendekatan yang holistik dan menyeluruh bagi menangani isu-isu kewarganegaraan ini. Penyelidikan menyeluruh tentang kesan pindaan ini perlu dijalankan dan penglibatan kolektif strategik pihak berkepentingan, termasuk organisasi masyarakat sivil (CSO) dan pakar dalam hak kanak-kanak dan tanpa kewarganegaraan perlu dilaksanakan dalam proses perundingan yang lebih meluas. Adalah penting agar setiap pindaan dipertimbangkan dengan teliti mengambil kira implikasinya yang unik untuk memastikan hak asas semua individu, terutamanya kanak-kanak dapat dipertahankan.

Sekali lagi SUHAKAM ingin menegaskan bahawa hak untuk kewarganegaraan adalah hak asasi manusia, dan sebagai Negara Pihak kepada Konvensyen Tentang Hak Kanak-Kanak Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (CRC), Kerajaan harus memastikan bahawa tiada kanak-kanak tanpa kewarganegaraan di negara ini dengan mengambil langkah ke arah penghapusan tanpa kewarganegaraan.

Dalam masa yang sama, masyarakat dari Sabah, Sarawak dan orang Asal juga telah menyatakan kebimbangan mereka tentang perkara ini. Antara perkara yang amat dikesali adalah Orang Asal di pinggir negeri Sabah hanya dapat menjadi penduduk tetap kerana masalah dokumentasi. Cadangan pindaan ini akan mengakibatkan kanak-kanak dari pasangan ini tidak dapat menjadi warganegara melalui kuatkuasa undang-undang. CSO dari Sabah sering menyuarakan kebimbangan mereka namun  tiada tindakan diambil untuk menyelesaikan perkara ini.

Pendirian SUHAKAM adalah jelas dan kita harus berhenti menyalahkan sejarah kanak-kanak ini sebaliknya harus berusaha untuk mengatasi tanpa kewarganegaraan dengan mengutamakan kepentingan terbaik kanak-kanak kerana mereka tidak berdosa

.-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
9 Mac 2024