All posts by : Media

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (15 OCTOBER 2021)   –   The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) congratulates the Malaysian Government on its election as a member of the Human Rights Council for the term 2022 – 2024 with 183 votes. This is the third term for Malaysia since the Council first convened in June 2006. With its election to the Human Rights Council, the Government has also been entrusted with the responsibility to play a more influential role in the field of international human rights and to fulfil its obligation towards ensuring the enjoyment of human rights for all in Malaysia.

With the threat posed to human rights across the globe either due to the pandemic, climate crisis, or ongoing conflicts, among others, it is essential for Malaysia as a member of the Council to seriously look at those issues through the human rights lens and to engage with the other members of the Council and its Special Procedures. The Human Rights Council would aim to obtain the support and commitment of UN Member States to undertake steps to mitigate the human rights violations and to seek for more sustainable solutions.

SUHAKAM sees this as an opportunity for all human rights advocates, including the Commission itself, to strengthen its engagement with the Government and work with the Government to implement its Voluntary Pledges and Commitments.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

15 October 2021

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (15 OKTOBER 2021)  –  Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) mengucapkan tahniah kepada Kerajaan Malaysia atas kejayaannya menjadi ahli Majlis Hak Asasi Manusia dengan 183 undian untuk penggal 2022-2024. Ini merupakan penggal ketiga untuk Malaysia sejak sidang pertama Majlis tersebut pada Jun 2006. Dengan pemilihannya ke Majlis Hak Asasi Manusia, Kerajaan diamanahkan dengan tanggungjawab untuk memainkan peranan yang lebih signifikan dalam arena hak asasi manusia antarabangsa dan disamping memenuhi kewajipan ke arah memastikan hak asasi manusia dapat dinikmati sepenuhnya di Malaysia.

Dengan ancaman kepada hak asasi manusia di seluruh dunia, antaranya yang diakibatkan oleh pandemik, crisis iklim atau konflik yang berterusan, adalah penting untuk Malaysia sebagai ahli Majlis untuk secara serius menangani isu-isu ini melalui kaca mata hak asasi manusia dan menjalankan usaha sama dengan ahli-ahli dan juga Prosedur Khas Majlis. Majlis Hak Asasi Manusia bermatlamat untuk mendapatkan sokongan dan komitmen Negara Anggota PBB bagi mengambil langkah untuk mengatasi pencabulan hak asasi manusia dan mencari penyelesaian yang lebih mampan.

SUHAKAM melihat ini sebagai satu peluang kepada semua pembela hak asasi manusia, termasuk Suruhanjaya sendiri, untuk mengukuhkan libat urus dan bekerjasama dengan Kerajaan bagi melaksanakan janji dan komitmen sukarelanya.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

15 Oktober 2021

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (10 OCTOBER 2021)   –   In conjunction with the World Day Against the Death Penalty, commemorated on 10 October annually, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) wishes to reiterate its call for the total abolition of the death penalty in the country, in line with the belief in a person’s fundamental right to life.

SUHAKAM has continuously advocated for the total abolition of the death penalty, through various stakeholder engagements and programmes, including conferences, debates, and exhibitions, to raise public awareness and support on this issue. SUHAKAM supports the continued moratorium on the death penalty since its adoption in 2018 and encourages the Government to initiate processes to implement its commitment to abolish the mandatory death penalty, as announced in 2019, which is a positive step in towards total abolition of the death penalty in Malaysia. 

In 2020, the Malaysian Government was among 120 UN Member States, which voted in support of the UN General Assembly’s (UNGA) resolution regarding the moratorium on the use of the death penalty during the 75th session of the UNGA. It is important to highlight that, the resolution recommended that States should guarantee the right to a fair trial, and to limit the imposition of the death penalty to the most serious crimes, pending the abolition of the death penalty.

The study conducted by the Special Committee to Review Alternative Sentences to the Mandatory Death Penalty appointed by the late Datuk Liew Vui Keong has been completed and the report submitted to the previous Government. In view of the weight and urgency of the issue, SUHAKAM urges the Government to release the report of the Special Committee and its recommendations. It is SUHAKAM’s view that the recommendations and transitionary measures for current death row prisoners, should be made public, thereby allowing for legislators, policy makers and the society to undertake the needful to expedite the abolishment of the death penalty in Malaysia.

Further, SUHAKAM encourages the initiative announced by the Government in 2020, to set up a Law Reform Commission to study existing laws as well as sentencing procedures and if found to be outdated or archaic, to recommend for the necessary amendments or repeals and thereby enabling Malaysia to be in line with international human rights standards.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

10 October 2021

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (10 OKTOBER 2021)  –  Sempena Hari Menentang Hukuman Mati Sedunia yang diperingati pada 10 Oktober setiap tahun, Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) ingin menekankan seruannya agar hukuman mati dimansuhkan sepenuhnya di negara ini, bertepatan dengan kepercayaan terhadap hak asasi seseorang untuk hidup.

SUHAKAM terus menerus memperjuangkan pemansuhan hukuman mati sepenuhnya melalui pelbagai sesi libat urus dan program bersama pihak berkepentingan, seperti persidangan, perbahasan dan pameran, untuk meningkatkan kefahaman dan sokongan orang ramai terhadap isu ini. SUHAKAM menyokong agar moratorium hukuman mati yang telah diperkenalkan sejak 2018 diteruskan dan memberi galakan kepada Kerajaan untuk memulakan proses bagi melaksanakan iltizamnya untuk memansuhkan hukuman mati secara mandatori seperti yang telah diumumkan pada 2019, yang merupakan satu langkah positif ke arah pemansuhan sepenuhnya hukuman mati di Malaysia.

Pada 2020, Kerajaan Malaysia merupakan antara 120 Negara Anggota PBB yang membuat undian dengan menyokong resolusi Perhimpunan Agung PBB (UNGA) mengenai moratorium terhadap pelaksanaan hukuman mati semasa sesi ke-75 UNGA. Adalah penting untuk ditekankan bahawa resolusi tersebut mengesyorkan agar Negara perlu menjamin hak untuk perbicaraan yang adil, dan mengehadkan mengenakan hukuman mati kepada jenayah yang paling berat, sementara pemansuhan hukuman mati belum dilaksanakan.

Kajian yang dibuat oleh Jawatankuasa Khas Kajian Hukuman Gantian terhadap Hukuman Mati Mandatori yang dilantik oleh mendiang Datuk Liew Vui Keong telah lengkap dan laporan tersebut telah dikemukakan kepada Kerajaan terdahulu. Melihat kepada kepentingan dan tindakan segera yang diperlukan terhadap isu ini, SUHAKAM menggesa Kerajaan untuk mengeluarkan laporan dan syor-syor Jawatankuasa Khas tersebut. SUHAKAM berpandangan bahawa syor-syor dan langkah-langkah peralihan untuk banduan akhir perlu didedahkan kepada umum agar ia boleh membenarkan penggubal undang-undang, pembuat dasar dan masyarakat untuk melakukan perkara yang perlu bagi menyegerakan pemansuhan hukuman mati di Malaysia.

Selain itu, SUHAKAM turut menyokong inisiatif Kerajaan pada tahun 2020, untuk menubuhkan Suruhanjaya Pembaharuan Undang-undang bagi mengkaji undang-undang sedia ada termasuk prosedur menjatuhkan hukuman dan sekiranya didapati ianya lapuk atau ketinggalan zaman, untuk mengesyorkan pindaan atau pemansuhan undang-undang tertentu supaya Malaysia dapat selari dengan piawaian hak asasi manusia antarabangsa.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

10 Oktober 2021

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (25 SEPTEMBER 2021)   –   The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) credits the Government for the overall successful execution of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK), despite some issues faced at the onset. The COVID-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF), on 21 September 2021, reported that 80.2 % of the adult population in Malaysia had been fully vaccinated, and SUHAKAM wishes to congratulate those who made the decision to be vaccinated.

SUHAKAM supports the goal of PICK to achieve herd immunity in the fastest possible time, however, the Government should respect every person’s right to self-determination and the freedom to refuse vaccination due to various reasons. Efforts should be intensified to encourage those medically eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccination through continuous engagement with the communities, to promote the benefits of vaccinations, backed by scientific evidence and to dispel any doubts or misinformation abound.

SUHAKAM have received a number of complaints on allegations of discrimination due to restrictions imposed on those who remain unvaccinated, including persons who were not allowed to get back to work or compelled to pay for their own tests, or movement restrictions in entering premises for the general public. SUHAKAM reminds employers to avoid imposing mandatory vaccination requirements for their employees or from penalising employees who refused to be vaccinated, instead employers may provide incentives to encourage their employees to be vaccinated. SUHAKAM calls for the Government to take immediate actions to address such issues by having a balanced approach between public health priorities and the right to be treated fairly without discrimination. Additionally the Government could look into the possibility of expanding the role and function of the Pusat Mediasi COVID-19 (PMC-19), to include assistance for employees who are disputing issues related to COVID-19, including their vaccination status, with their employers.

SUHAKAM welcomes recent announcements to permit individuals who have completed their vaccinations some freedom to access various venues, to dine in, and undertake domestic travel bubbles, among others. In order to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Government or owners of premises may, impose certain restrictions upon those who have yet to complete their vaccination or chose not to be vaccinated. The public should realize that these steps are mainly to protect human and public health, which may also serve as an incentive for people to obtain vaccinations. Such restrictions, however, should not hinder anyone from enjoying their basic human rights including access to education, food and medical treatments, among others; and only be enforced as a temporary measure, until such time herd immunity has been achieved or when the Pandemic transitions to an endemic phase.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

25 September 2021

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (25 SEPTEMBER 2021)  –  Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) menzahirkan penghargaan kepada Kerajaan atas kejayaan pelaksanaan keseluruhan Program Imunisasi COVID-19 Kebangsaan (PICK) walaupun terdapat beberapa isu yang dihadapi pada awalnya. Pada 21 September 2021, Jawatankuasa Imunisasi COVID-19 telah melaporkan bahawa 80.2% populasi dewasa di Malaysia telah menerima vaksin lengkap dan SUHAKAM mengucapkan tahniah kepada mereka yang telah membuat keputusan untuk divaksinasi.

SUHAKAM menyokong sasaran PICK untuk mencapai imuniti berkelompok secepat mungkin, walau bagaimanapun, Kerajaan perlu menghormati hak setiap orang untuk menentukan kemahuan sendiri dan kebebasan untuk menolak vaksin atas sebab yang tertentu. Walau bagaimanapun, usaha perlu dipertingkatkan untuk menggalakkan mereka yang layak dari segi perubatan untuk mendapatkan vaksin COVID-19 menerusi penglibatan berterusan dengan komuniti untuk mempromosikan manfaat vaksin yang disokong oleh bukti secara saintifik bagi menghindari sebarang keraguan atau maklumat yang tidak benar.

SUHAKAM telah menerima sejumlah aduan berkenaan dakwaan diskriminasi yang dikenakan kepada mereka yang masih tidak divaksinasi, termasuk tidak dibenarkan kembali bekerja atau terpaksa menanggung sendiri kos ujian calitan, atau sekatan daripada memasuki premis bagi orang awam. SUHAKAM mengingatkan majikan untuk tidak menetapkan keperluan vaksinasi mandatori kepada pekerja atau mengenakan denda kepada pekerja yang enggan divaksinasi, sebaliknya majikan boleh menawarkan insentif bagi menggalakkan pekerja untuk divaksinasi. SUHAKAM menyeru Kerajaan untuk mengambil tindakan segera bagi menangani isu-isu ini yang memerlukan pendekatan yang seimbang antara keutamaan kesihatan awam dan hak untuk dilayan secara adil tanpa diskriminasi. Selain itu, Kerajaan perlu melihat kepada kemungkinan untuk meluaskan peranan dan fungsi Pusat Mediasi COVID-19 (PMC-19) dengan memanjangkan bantuan kepada pekerja yang mempunyai pertikaian berkaitan isu COVID-19, termasuk status vaksinasi, dengan majikan mereka.

SUHAKAM menyambut baik pengumuman baru-baru ini untuk membenarkan mereka yang lengkap divaksinasi beberapa kebebasan, antaranya, memasuki pelbagai tempat, makan di kedai makan dan menyertai gelembung perlancongan domestik. Bagi mengekang penularan pandemik COVID-19, Kerajaan atau pemilik premis boleh mengenakan sekatan kepada mereka yang masih belum lengkap divaksinasi atau memilih untuk tidak divaksinasi. Orang ramai perlu menyedari bahawa tujuan utama langkah-langkah ini adalah untuk melindungi manusia dan kesihatan awam; dan sebagai insentif kepada mereka yang telah mendapatkan vaksin. Walau bagaimanapun, sekatan tersebut tidak seharusnya menghalang sesiapa jua daripada menikmati keperluan hak asasi mereka termasuklah antaranya akses kepada Pendidikan, makanan dan penjagaan kesihatan, dan hanya boleh dikuatkuasakan sebagai pendekatan sementara sehingga imuniti kelompok dapat dicapai atau apabila pandemik telah beralih ke fasa endemik.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

25 September 2021

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (17 SEPTEMBER 2021)   –   The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) is deeply concerned with the deterioration of the human rights situation in Afghanistan in recent months. On 16 August 2021, the UN human rights expert had issued a statement urging swift global action to protect human rights and prevent ‘civilian slaughter’ in Afghanistan and the need to protect the most vulnerable in Afghanistan including children, women, and girls, those internally displaced, the disabled, human rights defenders, journalists and the media, educators and civil society actors.

SUHAKAM was apprised of the dire situation in Afghanistan during the 26th Annual General Meeting of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institution (APF) held on 15 September 2021. SUHAKAM was informed that there is a lot of chaos and uncertainties since the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul, was taken over by the Taliban on 15 August 2021 and every member and staff of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) is at risk due to the Commission work on documenting war crimes, crimes against humanity, and violations of international humanitarian law implicated with the Taliban. AIHRC had focused its efforts on evacuating their staff although some of them may have fled to neighbouring countries. At the same time, AIHRC strongly hopes that the Commission will not be dissolved.

AIHRC added that the independent media and human rights activists also face similar threats where they were beaten and tortured by the Taliban. It is worth noting that as of July 2020, a total of seven AIHRC Commissioners and staff members have been killed by the terrorist attacks. AIHRC proposed three immediate actions for the protection of the peoples in Afghanistan as follows:

1. AIHRC requested for any other countries to provide visas to the peoples of concern including the AIHRC staff and their families to enable them to be evacuated quickly once the commercial flight resumes operations;
2. To coordinate a strong statement especially from the Islamic States to support the Afghan women and girls on their human rights such as the rights to employment and education, among others; and
3. For governments to support the Human Rights Council to start a Resolution to establish a fact-finding mission for Afghanistan.

SUHAKAM applauds the Malaysian government’s efforts in pushing for the 31st special session of the Human Rights Council to recognize the serious human rights concerns and situation in Afghanistan and negotiated a draft on Human Rights Council resolution entitled: Strengthening the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in the Islamic Republic Afghanistan; and the participation of Minister of Foreign Affairs in a United Nations’ High-Level Ministerial Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan on 13 September 2021, which stressed that the safety, security, human rights and the wellbeing of all Afghan people and other nationals in the country must be protected.

Therefore, SUHAKAM urges all relevant parties and Government of Malaysia to consider favourably the recommendations proposed by AIHRC and commit to undertake whatever means available to aid and support relief for the human rights situation in Afghanistan. SUHAKAM would like to encourage for the Government of Malaysia to bring this matter to the attention of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to coordinate humanitarian assistance for the people of Afghanistan; and to issue a statement to address the human rights situation in Afghanistan.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

17 September 2021

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (17 SEPTEMBER 2021)  –  Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) amat bimbang dengan situasi hak asasi manusia di Afghanistan yang semakin meruncing sejak beberapa bulan ini. Pada 16 Ogos 2021, sekumpulan pakar hak asasi manusia PBB telah mengeluarkan kenyataan mendesak agar tindakan segera diambil untuk melindungi hak asasi manusia dan menghalang pembunuhan orang awam di Afghanistan serta keperluan untuk melindungi golongan paling rentan termasuk kanak-kanak, wanita dan gadis, pelarian, orang kurang upaya, pembela hak asasi manusia, wartawan dan media, pendidik dan ahli pertubuhan masyarakat sivil.

SUHAKAM diberitahu mengenai situasi mendesak di Afghanistan semasa Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan ke-26 Forum Asia Pasifik berkenaan Institusi Hak Asasi Manusia Kebangsaan (APF) yang diadakan pada 15 September 2021. SUHAKAM dimaklumkan tentang keadaan huru hara dan ketidakpastian sejak ibu negeri Afghanistan, Kabul diambil alih oleh Taliban pada 15 Ogos 2021 dan setiap ahli dan kakitangan Suruhanjaya Bebas Hak Asasi Manusia Afghanistan (AIHRC) berisiko kerana kerja-kerja Suruhanjaya melibatkan dokumentasi jenayah perang, jenayah kemanusiaan dan pelanggaran undang-undang kemanusiaan antarabangsa membabitkan Taliban. AIHRC telah memberikan tumpuan kepada usahanya untuk memindahkan kesemua kakitangan mereka meskipun ada antaranya telah melarikan diri ke negara jiran. Pada masa yang sama, AIHRC amat berharap agar Suruhanjaya ini tidak dibubarkan.

AIHRC juga memaklumkan bahawa media bebas dan aktivis hak asasi juga mengalami ancaman yang sama di mana mereka dipukul dan diseksa oleh Taliban. Sejak Julai 2020, sejumlah tujuh Pesuruhjaya dan kakitangan AIHRC telah terbunuh akibat serangan pengganas. AIHRC mengesyorkan tiga tindakan segera bagi perlindungan rakyat di Afghanistan iaitu:

1. AIHRC memohon mana-mana negara untuk menyediakan visa kepada orang yang dilindungi termasuk kakitangan AIHRC dan ahli keluarga mereka bagi membolehkan mereka menyelamatkan diri setelah penerbangan komersial kembali beroperasi;
2. Mengkoordinasi kenyataan yang tegas terutamanya daripada Negara-negara Islam untuk menyokong hak asasi manusia wanita dan gadis Afghanistan, terutamanya hak pekerjaan dan Pendidikan; dan
3. Agar Kerajaan menyokong Majlis Hak Asasi Manusia untuk memulakan Resolusi bagi menubuhkan misi mencari fakta untuk Afghanistan.

SUHAKAM memuji usaha Kerajaan Malaysia yang menggesa sesi khas ke-31 Majlis Hak Asasi Manusia untuk mengakui situasi hak asasi manusia yang membimbangkan dan keadaan di Afghanistan serta telah membuat rundingan mengenai draf resolusi Majlis Hak Asasi Manusia bertajuk: Mengukuhkan Promosi dan Perlindungan Hak Asasi Manusia di Republik Islam Afghanistan; dan penyertaan Menteri Luar Negeri dalam Mesyuarat Menteri Peringkat Tinggi mengenai Situasi Kemanusiaan di Afghanistan anjuran Pertubuhan Bangsa-bangsa Bersatu (PBB) pada 13 September 2021 yang menegaskan bahawa keselamatan, hak asasi dan kesejahteraan semua rakyat Afghanistan serta warganegara lain di negara itu perlu dilindungi.

Sehubungan itu, SUHAKAM menggesa semua pihak dan Kerajaan Malaysia untuk memberi pertimbangan untuk menyokong syor-syor yang dikemukakan oleh AIHRC dan komited untuk apa jua cara yang ada bagi menyediakan bantuan dan sokongan bagi membantu situasi hak asasi manusia di Afghanistan. SUHAKAM juga menyokong Kerajaan Malaysia untuk membawa perkara ini kepada perhatian Pertubuhan Kerjasama Islam (OIC) untuk mengkoordinasi bantuan kemanusiaan untuk rakyat Afghanistan; dan mengeluarkan kenyataan untuk menangani situasi hak asasi manusia di Afghanistan.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

17 September 2021

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (12 SEPTEMBER 2021)   –   The Children’s Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), Prof Dato’ Noor Aziah Mohd Awal (CC) applauds Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision on 9 September, for its ruling, that Malaysian mothers have the right to confer citizenship to their children born overseas on an equal basis with Malaysian men.

It was reported that the Court found that Article 14(1)(b) of the Federal Constitution (FC) together with the Second Schedule, Part II, Section 1(b), pertaining to citizenship rights, must be read in harmony with Article 8(2) of the FC, which prohibits discrimination based on gender, and thus, the meaning of “father” in that Section 1(b) also read to mean “mother”.

The Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) has been closely monitoring the case by conducting watching brief since the case was filed in the year 2020, as there were several related child rights principles, such as the right not to be discriminated, pursuant to Article 2 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC); right to acquire a nationality as provided in Article 7 of the CRC; and right to preserve his or her identity, including nationality under Article 8 of the CRC. It is also in the best interest of children as provided under Article 3 of the CRC, that children who were born abroad by a Malaysian mother should be granted Malaysian citizenship regardless of the father’s nationality.

The fact is, uncertainties related to the legal status of a child born overseas to a Malaysian mother married to a foreigner leads to immediate and long-term effects throughout his or her life. Among challenges faced by these children and their mothers include denial of birth registration due to the absence of a foreign parent (who may not be in the country); and/or denial or difficulties in renewing, extending, or applying for visa(s). The absence of either may cause a child to be vulnerable, which eradicates all the rights the child deserves similar to other Malaysian children, especially access to public education and healthcare.

CC views the High Court landmark decision, has a very important implication to the progress of the rights of children and sets a precedent that upholds the principles of equality aligned with the international conventions to which Malaysia is a signatory, as well as the principles laid down in the Federal Constitution of Malaysia.  The decision has clearly paved the way for a brighter and fair future for all children born to a Malaysian parent married to a non-Malaysian, irrespective of gender.

-END-

Professor Dato’ Noor Aziah Hj. Mohd Awal, Children’s Commissioner

12 September 2021

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (12 SEPTEMBER 2021)   –   Pesuruhjaya Kanak-Kanak, Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM), Prof Dato’ Noor Aziah Mohd Awal (CC) memuji keputusan Mahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur pada 9 September, akan penghakimannya, bahawa para ibu warganegara Malaysia adalah berhak untuk mewariskan kerakyatan kepada anak mereka yang lahir di luar negara setara dengan hak yang dimilliki lelaki warganegara Malaysia.

Menurut laporan, Mahkamah mendapati Perkara 14(1)(b) Perlembagaan Persekutuan (PP) bersama dengan Seksyen (1)(b), Bahagian II, Jadual Kedua berhubung hak kerakyatan, hendaklah dibaca secara harmoni dengan Perkara 8(2) PP, yang melarang diskriminasi berdasarkan jantina, dan oleh demikian, maksud “bapa” di dalam Seksyen 1(b) adalah turut dibaca memberi makna “ibu”.

Pejabat Pesuruhjaya Kanak-Kanak (OCC) telah mengikuti rapat kes dengan melakukan pemerhatian di Mahkamah sejak dari kes difailkan pada tahun 2020 lagi, memandangkan terdapat beberapa prinsip hak kanak-kanak yang terlibat, seperti hak untuk tidak didiskriminasi selaras dengan Perkara 2 Konvensyen Mengenai Hak Kanak-kanak (CRC); hak untuk mendapatkan kerakyatan seperti yang termaktub dalam Perkara 7 CRC; dan hak untuk mengekalkan identiti kanak-kanak, termasuk kerakyatan, di bawah Perkara 8 CRC. Adalah juga dalam kepentingan terbaik kanak-kanak seperti yang diperuntukkan dalam Perkara 3 CRC, bahawa kanak-kanak yang lahir di luar negara oleh ibu warganegara Malaysia hendaklah dianugerahkan kewarganegaraan Malaysia tanpa mengira kewarganegaraan bapa kanak-kanak.

Pada hakikatnya, ketidakpastian berhubung status undang-undang kanak-kanak yang lahir di luar negara oleh ibu berwarganegara Malaysia yang berkahwin dengan bapa berwarganegara asing telah membawa kesan jangka masa pendek dan panjang kepada seluruh kehidupan kanak-kanak. Antara cabaran yang dihadapi kanak-kanak ini dan ibu mereka termasuklah dinafikan pendaftaran kelahiran berikutan ketidakhadiran bapa warga asing (yang mungkin tidak berada dalam negara); dan/atau dinafikan atau kesukaran untuk memperbaharui, memanjangkan atau memohon visa. Ketiadaan samada dokumen kelahiran atau visa boleh menjejaskan status kanak-kanak, di mana ia telah menghilangkan semua hak yang sepatutnya diperolehi kanak-kanak, seperti kanak-kanak Malaysia lain, terutamanya akses kepada pendidikan dan penjagaan kesihatan awam.

CC berpandangan keputusan Mahkamah Tinggi yang berpengaruh itu mempunyai implikasi yang sangat penting kepada perkembangan hak kanak-kanak dan menetapkan satu kayu ukur yang menegakkan prinsip kesamarataan, bertepatan dengan konvensyen antarabangsa di mana turut ditandatangani oleh Malaysia, termasuk juga prinsip yang telah dinyatakan di dalam Perlembagaan Persekutuan. Keputusan Mahkamah jelas telah membuka jalan untuk masa depan yang lebih cerah dan adil untuk semua kanak-kanak yang lahir dari ibubapa warganegara Malaysia yang berkahwin dengan bukan warganegara, tanpa mengira jantina.

-TAMAT-

Professor Dato’ Noor Aziah Hj. Mohd Awal, Pesuruhjaya Kanak-Kanak

12 September 2021

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (8 SEPTEMBER 2021)   –   The Children’s Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), Prof Dato’ Noor Aziah Mohd Awal (CC) applauds Senior Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin’s decision not to allow teachers who refuse to be vaccinated from conducting classes when school reopens, instead tasking them with other assignments.

The CC, however, is appalled that a reported 2,500 teachers had refused to be vaccinated without valid health reasons. As teachers are civil servants, they are bound by all laws governing civil servants. Stern action must be taken against these teachers as their refusal to be vaccinated may jeopardize the success of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK). The Ministry of Education must prioritise the welfare and safety of children during the pandemic. It is also in the best interest of children that PICK achieves its target, and for children above 12 years old to be vaccinated.

The CC is concerned with the Ministry’s plan to reopen all schools on 3 October 2021 as many teachers and children have yet to be vaccinated. Prof. Dato’ Noor Aziah recommends that only students who will be sitting for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) are allowed to attend, irrespective of the phase of the National Recovery Plan (PPN) in which the schools are located as the approximate number of children involved would be just about 500,000 students. She also recommends the following conditions should be fulfilled:

1. These students must have completed their two doses of vaccine and surpass the 14 days period from the date of their second vaccination. If this is not possible, the Government must postpone the reopening of schools until 15 October 2021. For expediency, children could be vaccinated at their own schools’ compounds.
2. All individuals at school including teachers, schools’ staffs, canteen operators, security guards and bus driver must have been fully vaccinated.
3. All parents and family members living in the same house must have been fully vaccinated; and
4. The Ministry of Education must present to the public the latest Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) before reopening schools including family SOPs, school round trip SOPs, a detailed school compounds SOPs which are clear and easily understood.

Meanwhile, for other students, the CC recommends that they continue with the PdPR until the COVID-19 cases falls to a number that is considered safe for their return to schools for face-to-face classes, whilst students who refused vaccination, must continue their lessons at home (PdPR). The counsellor from the state and district education departments, schools and the Health Ministry are urged to explain the importance of vaccination to those students and parents, reminding them of the risks of COVID-19 for students who are not fully vaccinated.

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Professor Dato’ Noor Aziah Hj. Mohd Awal, Children’s Commissioner

8 September 2021

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (8 SEPTEMBER 2021)   –   Pesuruhjaya Kanak-Kanak, Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM), Prof Dato’ Noor Aziah Mohd Awal (CC) memuji keputusan Menteri Kanan Pendidikan Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin untuk tidak membenarkan guru-guru yang enggan divaksin daripada mengadakan kelas ketika sekolah dibuka semula, sebaliknya memberikan mereka tugasan lain.

CC walaubagaimanapun terkejut dengan laporan bahawa 2500 orang guru yang enggan menerima vaksin COVID-19 tanpa alasan kesihatan yang diperakui. Oleh kerana guru adalah penjawat awam, mereka sepatutnya tertakluk kepada semua undang-undang yang melibatkan penjawat awam. Tindakan tegas hendaklah diambil terhadap guru-guru ini kerana keengganan untuk divaksin boleh menjejaskan kejayaan Program Imunisasi COVID-19 Kebangsaan (PICK). Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia (KPM) harus mengutamakan kebajikan dan keselamatan kanak-kanak semasa pandemik. Bagi PICK mencapai matlamatnya dan pemberian vaksin kepada kanak-kanak yang berumur 12 tahun ke atas, adalah untuk kepentingan terbaik kanak-kanak.

CC berasa khuatir dengan rancangan KPM untuk membuka semula semua sekolah pada 3 Oktober 2021 kerana masih ramai lagi guru dan kanak-kanak yang belum divaksin. Prof Dato’ Noor Aziah mengesyorkan agar hanya pelajar yang akan menduduki Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) dan Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) dibenarkan untuk hadir ke sekolah, tanpa mengira fasa Pelan Pemulihan Negara (PPN) di mana sekolah-sekolah berada kerana anggaran jumlah kanak-kanak terlibat hanya sekitar 500,000 pelajar. CC juga mengesyorkan syarat-syarat berikut turut dipenuhi:

1. Para pelajar ini hendaklah telah lengkap dua dos vaksin dan telah melepasi tempoh 14 hari dari tarikh vaksinasi kedua mereka. Jika ini adalah mustahil untuk dilakukan, KPM hendaklah menunda pembukaan semula sekolah sehingga 15 Oktober 2021. Untuk kelancaran program vaksinisasi kanak-kanak, pelajar bolehlah divaksin di pekarangan sekolah masing-masing.
2. Semua individu di sekolah termasuk guru-guru, kakitangan sekolah, pengusaha kantin, pengawal keselamatan sekolah dan pemandu bas hendaklah telah lengkap divaksin.
3. Semua ibubapa dan ahli keluarga yang tinggal serumah dengan pelajar hendaklah telah lengkap divaksin.
4. KPM hendaklah membentangkan pada orang ramai berhubung prosedur operasi standard (SOP) yang terkini sebelum membuka semula sekolah termasuklah SOP keluarga; SOP perjalanan pergi dan balik sekolah; dan SOP dalam kawasan sekolah yang terperinci dengan cara yang jelas dan mudah difahami.

Sementara itu, bagi pelajar lain, CC mengesyorkan agar mereka meneruskan dengan PdPR sehingga kes COVID-19 menurun angkanya ke satu jumlah yang dianggap selamat untuk mereka kembali semula ke sekolah bagi menjalani pembelajaran secara bersemuka, sementara untuk pelajar yang enggan divaksin, mereka hendaklah meneruskan pembelajaran di rumah (PdPR). Kaunselor dari Jabatan Pendidikan Daerah dan Negeri, sekolah dan KPM adalah digesa untuk memberi penerangan berhubung kepentingan vaksinisasi kepada para pelajar ini dan ibu bapa mereka, dengan mengingatkan mereka akan risiko COVID-19 bagi pelajar yang tidak divaksin sepenuhnya.

-TAMAT-

Professor Dato’ Noor Aziah Hj. Mohd Awal, Pesuruhjaya Kanak-Kanak

8 September 2021

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (8 SEPTEMBER 2021)   –   The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) commemorates the 22nd year of its ‘birth’, since its Founding Act was gazetted by Parliament on 9 September 1999. SUHAKAM has come a long way since it began operations in April 2000. It has faced many challenges, encountered setbacks, achieved important milestones and learnt many lessons over the past two decades. In the same period, there has been significant advances, opening up of spaces and horizons have widened, where human rights laws, policies, customs and practices are debated relatively openly and transparently at every level of society.

This year’s celebration is a significant milestone, in view of the successful retention of its ‘A’ status following the re-accreditation process by the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of the National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). The SCA’s recommendation for it to be reaccredited ‘A’ status, signifies SUHAKAM’s compliance with the Paris Principles, and international recognition of its legitimacy as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI). Even so, SCA had provided recommendations for further improvement of SUHAKAM to safeguard its effectiveness and independence.

In conjunction with SUHAKAM Day 2021, SUHAKAM will be holding a virtual forum on 9 September 2021, Thursday at 1.45pm via Zoom platform. The forum aims to share the outcome of SUHAKAM’s 2021 re-accreditation, gauge views on the importance of the re-accreditation process, and identify ways forward to implement the SCA’s recommendations with support from partners and stakeholders in line with Malaysia’s commitment to Target 16.a of the SDG which denotes the State’s commitment to “Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime”.

Members of the public are invited to partake in the 2021 SUHAKAM Day Celebration by completing the registration form at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvcO6grD0tE9Pw43q8yVZxPbsyRUPGfCgy

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

8 September 2021

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (8 SEPTEMBER 2021)   –   The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) commemorates the 22nd year of its ‘birth’, since its Founding Act was gazetted by Parliament on 9 September 1999. SUHAKAM has come a long way since it began operations in April 2000. It has faced many challenges, encountered setbacks, achieved important milestones and learnt many lessons over the past two decades. In the same period, there has been significant advances, opening up of spaces and horizons have widened, where human rights laws, policies, customs and practices are debated relatively openly and transparently at every level of society.

This year’s celebration is a significant milestone, in view of the successful retention of its ‘A’ status following the re-accreditation process by the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of the National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). The SCA’s recommendation for it to be reaccredited ‘A’ status, signifies SUHAKAM’s compliance with the Paris Principles, and international recognition of its legitimacy as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI). Even so, SCA had provided recommendations for further improvement of SUHAKAM to safeguard its effectiveness and independence.

In conjunction with SUHAKAM Day 2021, SUHAKAM will be holding a virtual forum on 9 September 2021, Thursday at 1.45pm via Zoom platform. The forum aims to share the outcome of SUHAKAM’s 2021 re-accreditation, gauge views on the importance of the re-accreditation process, and identify ways forward to implement the SCA’s recommendations with support from partners and stakeholders in line with Malaysia’s commitment to Target 16.a of the SDG which denotes the State’s commitment to “Strengthen relevant national institutions, including through international cooperation, for building capacity at all levels, in particular in developing countries, to prevent violence and combat terrorism and crime”.

Members of the public are invited to partake in the 2021 SUHAKAM Day Celebration by completing the registration form at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvcO6grD0tE9Pw43q8yVZxPbsyRUPGfCgy

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

8 September 2021

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (30 AUGUST 2021)   –   International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances is observed on 30 August annually, as a reminder of the horrific violation of human rights caused by enforced disappearances upon victims, families and friends of the victims, and its chilling effects on the society. Since 2010, the UN General Assembly has expressed its deep concern about the increase in enforced or involuntary disappearances in various regions of the world. Of a particular concern is the ongoing harassment of human rights defenders, relatives of victims, witnesses, and legal counsel dealing with cases of enforced disappearance.

SUHAKAM’s 2019 report on its public inquiry into the disappearances of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat concluded that enforced disappearance had, indeed, taken place. SUHAKAM expresses its deepest concern and sympathies to the families of the victims and their loved ones for the grief, anxiety, and sadness arising from the enforced disappearances of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat.

SUHAKAM notes that the Government had established a task force in 2019 to look into SUHAKAM’s findings from the public inquiry, and calls for the report of the task force to be made public so there may be some closure for those seeking answers to what had occurred. In fact, SUHAKAM is currently also conducting its public inquiry into the disappearance of Joshua Hilmy and Ruth Sitepu, in response to complaint received from their family and friends.

SUHAKAM reiterates its call for the Government to accede to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED) and to revisit its decision in relation to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. SUHAKAM hopes that the nation, will one day soon, ensure that adequate legal recognition and remedies are available for victims of enforced disappearances in the country; thereby demonstrating the Government’s commitment to not allow such an unthinkable act to take place, at any time, upon anyone in the country.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

30 August 2021

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (30 OGOS 2021)  –  Hari Antarabangsa Mangsa Kehilangan Paksa diadakan setiap tahun pada 30 Ogos 2021 setiap tahun sebagai memperingati pencabulan hak asasi manusia yang dahsyat disebabkan oleh kehilangan paksa kepada mangsa-mangsa, ahli keluarga dan ia meninggalkan kesan yang menakutkan terhadap masyarakat. Sejak 2010, Perhimpunan Agung PBB menyuarakan kebimbangan terhadap peningkatan kehilangan paksa di seluruh dunia. Antara yang paling membimbangkan adalah gangguan berterusan terhadap pembela hak asasi manusia, saudara mara mangsa, saksi-saksi dan wakil peguam yang terlibat dalam kes-kes kehilangan paksa.

Laporan SUHAKAM pada tahun 2019 mengenai siasatan awam kehilangan Pastor Raymond Koh dan Amri Che Mat memutuskan bahawa kehilangan paksa sememangnya berlaku. SUHAKAM menzahirkan kebimbangan dan rasa simpati terhadap keluarga mangsa dan orang yang tersayang di atas keresahan dan kesedihan yang berpunca daripada kehilangan paksa Pastor Raymond Koh dan Amri Che Mat.

SUHAKAM mengambil maklum bahawa Kerajaan telah menubuhkan pasukan petugas pada tahun 2019 untuk meneliti penemuan SUHAKAM daripada siasatan awam dan menyeru agar laporan tersebut didedahkan kepada umum agar terdapat jalan penyelesaian kepada mereka yang mencari jawapan kepada apa yang telah berlaku. SUHAKAM kini juga sedang menjalankan siasatan awam terhadap kehilangan Joshua Hilmy dan Ruth Sitepu berikutan aduan yang diterima daripada keluarga dan rakan mereka.

SUHAKAM mengulangi seruan kepada Kerajaan untuk menyertai Konvensyen Antarabangsa bagi Perlindungan Semua Orang Daripada Kehilangan Yang Dipaksa (ICPPED) dan menimbang semula keputusan Kerajaan mengenai Statut Rom Mahkamah Jenayah Antarabangsa. SUHAKAM berharap agar negara ini dapat memastikan pengiktirafan undang-undang yang memadai dan menyediakan remedi kepada mangsa kehilangan paksa dalam negara ini; dan seterusnya menunjukkan komitmen Kerajaan untuk tidak membenarkan tindakan yang tidak masuk akal ini berlaku lagi pada bila-bila masa terhadap sesiapapun di negara ini.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

30 Ogos 2021

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