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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

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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

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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.

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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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (23 AUGUST 2021) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) is deeply concerned with the police’s demonstrably excessive response towards assemblies and rakyat’s right to express their views and opinions. Recent examples are the arrest of 31 youths for merely holding a candlelight vigil in memory of those who have lost their lives to COVID-19, and the closing of major roads and public transportations heading to Kuala Lumpur and Dataran Merdeka in response to the second #Keluar dan #Lawan assembly, which has, in fact, been called off.

These 2 incidents revealed actions which are not in line with the State as a Duty-bearer, bearing the responsibility to allow and facilitate the rakyat, as rights-holders, their right to assemble peacefully. It was also reported that the vigil participants, were forcefully arrested and transported to the police station, were then, not informed about their rights nor the grounds for arrest. These, including reports that the group members were denied access to legal representation, is a clear breach of their constitutional rights as stated in Article 5 and 10 of the Federal Constitution.

SUHAKAM calls for the police to respect and recognize the right to assemble peacefully publicly or privately, to collectively express, promote, pursue and defend common interests, which is a fundamental human right. No restriction may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in conformity with the law, and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others, as stated in Article 21 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ICCPR).

SUHAKAM reiterates that it is incumbent upon the police to facilitate this right to assembly by people, as was witnessed by SUHAKAM during the #Keluar dan #Lawan rally on 31 July 2021. With proper collaboration between police and organisers, all Malaysians may enjoy the right to assemble peacefully and, one day soon, their freedom for expression be fully met.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

23 August 2021

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (23 OGOS 2021)   –   Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) amat bimbang dengan tindakan pihak polis yang berlebihan terhadap perhimpunan dan hak rakyat untuk menyuarakan pendapat dan pandangan mereka. Contoh terbaru adalah apabila 31 belia ditangkap hanya kerana memperingati mereka yang kehilangan nyawa akibat COVID-19, dan penutupan jalan-jalan utama dan pengangkutan awam menghala ke Kuala Lumpur dan Dataran Merdeka berikutan perhimpunan kedua #Keluar dan #Lawan yang telah pun dibatalkan.

Kedua-dua insiden ini menunjukkan tindakan yang tidak selari dengan Negara sebagai pihak yang bertanggungjawab untuk membenarkan dan memudahkan rakyat, sebagai pemegang hak untuk berhimpun secara aman. Terdapat laporan bahawa peserta perhimpunan telah ditangkap secara paksa dan dibawa ke balai polis dan mereka tidak dimaklumkan mengenai hak mereka atau sebab-sebab tangkapan. Terdapat juga laporan bahawa kumpulan ini tidak diberikan akses kepada wakil peguam dan ini jelas menunjukkan bahawa hak perlembagaan mereka telah dicabul di bawah Perkara 5 dan 10 Perlembagaan Persekutuan.

SUHAKAM menyeru pihak Polis untuk menghormati dan mengiktiraf hak untuk berhimpun secara aman sama ada umum atau persendirian bagi menyuarakan secara kolektif, mempromosi, mendapatkan dan mempertahankan kepentingan bersama yang merupakan hak asasi manusia. Tiada halangan seharusnya dikenakan terhadap pelaksanaan hak ini melainkan menurut undang-undang, dan dalam keadaan yang perlu dalam masyarakat demokratik demi kepentingan keselamatan negara atau keselamatan dan ketenteraman awam, perlindungan kesihatan atau moral untuk melindungi hak dan kebebasan orang lain, sepertimana yang termaktub di bawah Perkara 21 Kovenan Antarabangsa mengenai Hak Sivil dan Politik (ICCPR).

SUHAKAM mengulangi bahawa adalah menjadi tanggungjawab polis untuk memudahkan hak rakyat untuk berhimpun sepertimana yang disaksikan oleh SUHAKAM semasa perhimpunan #Keluar dan #Lawan pada 31 Julai 2021. Dengan kerjasama yang baik antara polis dan penganjur, rakyat Malaysia akan dapat menikmati hak untuk berhimpun secara aman dan suatu hari nanti, hak untuk bersuara akan dicapai sepenuhnya.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

23 Ogos 2021

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (19 AUGUST 2021) – In light of the current political scenario and whilst the process of identifying a new Prime Minister to helm the next Government is on-going, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) hopes that the 9th Prime Minister and new Cabinet Ministers would press on with much needed institutional reforms and good governance practices.

Whilst it is clear that the incoming Prime Minister and his Cabinet would have to focus its efforts in dealing with the pandemic and its adverse impacts upon the economy and the wellbeing of the people; it would be good to have a new Government that has an inclusive human rights agenda as a central feature of its work. Such a Government would adopt a coordinated strategy to promote, protect and enable human rights approach whenever and wherever possible. As the national human rights institution, SUHAKAM commits to continue engaging with various ministries and parliamentarians and submitting its recommendations, in accordance with its legislative mandate to advise the government on pressing human rights issues.

SUHAKAM reaffirms that human rights should not be an optional agenda, and the upcoming government must demonstrate its commitment to respecting human dignity and fundamental freedoms as stated in Article 5-13 of the Federal Constitution, which will serve as the driving force towards meeting Malaysia’s SDGs targets, restore hope for Malaysians and allow democracy to flourish.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

19 August 2021

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (19 OGOS 2021)   –   Mengambil kira senario politik semasa dan tatkala proses untuk mengenal pasti Perdana Menteri yang baharu bagi menerajui Kerajaan akan datang sedang berlangsung, Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) berharap agar Perdana Menteri ke-9 dan Jemaah Menteri Kabinet yang baharu akan memberi penekanan terhadap pembaharuan institusi dan amalan tadbir urus yang baik.

Meskipun jelas bahawa Perdana Menteri dan Kabinet baharunya perlu memberi tumpuan kepada usaha untuk menangani pandemik dan kesan buruknya terhadap ekonomi dan kesejahteraan rakyat, adalah amat baik sekiranya Kerajaan baharu meletakkan hak asasi manusia sebagai teras utama dalam melaksanakan tanggungjawabnya. Kerajaan seperti ini akan melaksanakan strategi tersusun untuk seboleh mungkin mempromosi, melindungi dan menyokong pendekatan hak asasi manusia. Sebagai institusi hak asasi manusia kebangsaan, SUHAKAM komited untuk terus bekerjasama dengan kementerian dan ahli parlimen dengan mengemukakan syor-syor, selari dengan mandat yang diberikan di bawah peruntukan undang-undangnya untuk menasihati Kerajaan berkenaan dengan isu-isu hak asasi manusia.

SUHAKAM ingin menegaskan bahawa hak asasi manusia tidak seharusnya menjadi agenda sampingan dan Kerajaan yang bakal memerintah perlu menunjukkan komitmen untuk menghormati maruah manusia dan kebebasan asasi sepertimana yang dinyatakan di bawah Perkara 5-13 Perlembagaan Persekutuan yang mana berfungsi sebagai pemacu ke arah mencapai sasaran Matlamat Pembangunan Lestari Malaysia dan seterusnya memulihkan harapan rakyat Malaysia serta menyuburkan amalan demokrasi.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

19 Ogos 2021

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (9 AUGUST 2021) – The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is commemorated on 9 August, to raise awareness on the needs of these population groups, and to strengthen international cooperation in solving problems faced by indigenous peoples such as their rights, the environment, development, education, health, economic and social development. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) supports this year’s theme “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract”, to demand for their inclusion, participation, and approval in the constitution of a system with social and economic benefits for all.

Often times, indigenous peoples are excluded from social contracts, which are unwritten agreement or practice to cooperate for social and economic benefits, usually made by the majority or main influencers, thereby amplifying their vulnerability. A number of countries have sought to redress these disparities through public apologies, truth and reconciliation efforts, legislative reforms, as well as constitutional reforms. SUHAKAM calls for the Malaysian Government to take immediate actions to implement all of SUHAKAM’s recommendations derived from the Report of the National Inquiry (NI) into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia that was published in August 2013, without any further delay, whilst recognizing the indigenous peoples’ right to participate in the decision-making process at all levels.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impacts have tested Malaysia’s capability and the people’s resilience, especially for the vulnerable communities such as the indigenous peoples. Many indigenous peoples have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic due to, financial insecurity, poor health status, and limited access to technology thereby restricting access to news and updates on the pandemic. SUHAKAM acknowledges and appreciates the five additional initiatives taken by the Government to further increase the capacity and expedite the vaccination process under the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK), including the provision of mobile vaccination centres (PPVs) and door-to-door outreach programs for indigenous people’s communities. Efforts to provide sufficient and accurate information in simple local language should be ramped up, to encourage the indigenous communities to come forward for vaccinations.

It is important to highlight that Article 21 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), states that Indigenous Peoples have the right, without discrimination, to the improvement of their economic and social conditions, including, inter alia, in the areas of education, health, employment, vocational training and retraining, housing, sanitation, health, and social security. As such, SUHAKAM urges the Government, including the State Governments and all relevant stakeholders, to take necessary steps, towards progressively achieving the full realization of the aforementioned rights.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

9 August 2021

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (9 OGOS 2021)   –   Hari Antarabangsa Orang Asal Sedunia disambut pada 9 Ogos, untuk meningkatkan kesedaran mengenai keperluan populasi ini, dan untuk meningkatkan kerjasama antarabangsa dalam menyelesaikan masalah yang dihadapi oleh Orang Asal seperti hak asasi, persekitaran, pembangunan, pendidikan, kesihatan, pembangunan ekonomi dan sosial. Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) mendukung tema tahun ini iaitu “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract”, yang menuntut penglibatan, penyertaan, dan persetujuan mereka dalam pembentukan sistem dengan manfaat sosial dan ekonomi untuk semua.

Sering kali, Orang Asal dikecualikan daripada kontrak sosial, yang merupakan persetujuan atau amalan yang tidak bertulis untuk bekerjasama bagi manfaat sosial dan ekonomi, yang kebiasannya dipelopori oleh kaum majoriti, lalu meningkatkan kerentanan Orang Asal. Banyak negara telah berusaha untuk memperbaiki masalah ini melalui permohonan maaf secara terbuka, memulihkan hubungan, reformasi perundangan dan perlembagaan. SUHAKAM menyeru agar Kerajaan Malaysia mengambil tindakan segera untuk melaksanakan semua cadangan SUHAKAM hasil daripada Laporan Inkuiri Nasional (NI) mengenai Hak Tanah Orang Asal/Asli di Malaysia yang diterbitkan pada bulan Ogos 2013, tanpa berlengah lagi, disambil mengiktiraf hak Orang Asal untuk mengambil bahagian dalam proses membuat keputusan di semua peringkat.

Pandemik COVID-19 dan impaknya yang dahsyat telah menguji kemampuan Malaysia dan daya tahan rakyatnya, terutama bagi masyarakat rentan seperti Orang Asal. Kebanyakan Orang Asal telah terkesan akibat pandemik COVID-19 dengan teruk kerana masalah kewangan, status kesihatan, dan akses teknologi yang terhad sehingga mengehadkan akses kepada berita dan perkembangan mengenai wabak tersebut. SUHAKAM mengakui dan menghargai lima inisiatif tambahan yang diambil oleh Kerajaan untuk meningkatkan kapasiti dan mempercepat proses vaksinasi di bawah Program Imunisasi COVID-19 Kebangsaan (PICK), termasuk penyediaan Pusat Pemberian Vaksin (PPV) Bergerak dan program capaian dari pintu ke pintu untuk Orang Asal. Usaha untuk menyediakan maklumat yang mencukupi dan tepat dalam bahasa tempatan yang mudah difahami harus dilakukan, bagi memudahkan proses vaksinansi kepada komuniti ini.

Adalah penting untuk ditekankan bahawa Artikel 21 Deklarasi PBB mengenai Hak-hak Orang Asal (UNDRIP), menyatakan bahawa komuniti ini mempunyai hak, tanpa diskriminasi, untuk memperbaiki keadaan ekonomi dan sosial mereka, termasuk antara lain, dalam bidang pendidikan, kesihatan, pekerjaan, latihan vokasional dan pembelajaran semula, perumahan, sanitasi, kesihatan, dan keselamatan sosial. Oleh itu, SUHAKAM mendesak Kerajaan, termasuk Kerajaan Negeri dan semua pihak berkaitan, untuk mengambil langkah-langkah yang berkaitan bagi mencapai matlamat dan memenuhi hak-hak yang termaktub.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

9 Ogos 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 AUGUST 2021) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) is concerned over the incidents of intimidation and reprisals against human rights defenders who were present at the recent ‘Keluar dan #Lawan’ assembly including youth activists, lawyers, media professionals, as well as SUHAKAM’s Commissioners. 

SUHAKAM reiterates its position as a body corporate established by its enabling Act, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999, as well as an ‘A’ status National Human Rights Institution.  In order to discharge its functions, SUHAKAM is mandated under its enabling Act, to exercise any or all of its powers including to undertake any appropriate activities as are necessary which includes to monitor the human rights situation in the country. In this context, SUHAKAM was present at the recent ‘Keluar dan #Lawan’ assembly on 31 July 2021, in line with its function to monitor public assemblies.

SUHAKAM expresses its disappointment that its Commissioners have been summoned for questioning by the police for merely discharging its duties as mandated under its enabling Act. Since the inception of SUHAKAM, its Commissioners or officers have never been summoned for questioning for monitoring any event. SUHAKAM believes the actions by the police to investigate SUHAKAM’s Commissioners and other human rights defenders, including the representatives of the Malaysian Bar Council, for monitoring a peaceful assembly are a regressive move and against the very spirit of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 and the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, that has been adopted by UN Member States, including Malaysia.

The principles of freedom of expression is the right of all Malaysians, in compliance with a number of international human rights standards on freedom of assembly, and is constitutionally protected in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution as well as Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The authorities are obligated to respect and allow, even facilitate, peaceful assemblies to take place safely and smoothly.

SUHAKAM is encouraged by the continued commitment of all human rights defenders in the country, for their resilience and determination towards safeguarding human rights principles at all times, notwithstanding the challenges faced. SUHAKAM reiterates that anyone who expresses his or her views on human rights should not suffer from fear of intimidation and reprisal. As we progress, the voices of people all over the world calling out for their rights to live as equal, with dignity and respect, must be heeded.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

8 August 2021

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (8 OGOS 2021) – Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) bimbang dengan insiden intimidasi dan tindakan terhadap pembela hak asasi manusia yang berada di perhimpunan ‘Keluar dan #Lawan baru-baru ini termasuk aktivis belia, peguam, media dan juga Pesuruhjaya SUHAKAM.

SUHAKAM mengulangi kedudukannya sebagai sebuah badan korporat yang ditubuhkan di bawah Akta yang memberikannya kuasa iaitu Akta Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia 1999, dan sebagai Institusi Hak Asasi Manusia Kebangsaan berstatus ‘A”. Bagi menjalankan fungsinya, SUHAKAM diberikan mandat di bawah akta penubuhannya untuk menjalankan kuasanya termasuk melaksanakan aktiviti yang diperlukan termasuk memantau situasi hak asasi manusia dalam negara. Dalam konteks ini, SUHAKAM telah berada di perhimpunan ‘Keluar dan #Lawan’ pada 31 Julai 2021 baru-baru ini, selari dengan fungsinya untuk memantau perhimpunan awam.

SUHAKAM menzahirkan rasa kecewa kerana Pesuruhjayanya telah dipanggil untuk disoal siasat oleh polis semata-mata atas sebab menjalankan tugas yang dimandatkan di bawah Akta penubuhannya. Sejak penubuhannya, Pesuruhjaya atau Pegawai SUHAKAM tidak pernah dipanggil untuk disoal siasat kerana memantau apa-apa perhimpunan. SUHAKAM percaya bahawa tindakan polis menyiasat Pesuruhjaya SUHAKAM dan pembela hak asasi manusia lain termasuk wakil Majlis Peguam Malaysia kerana memantau perhimpunan aman adalah tindakan yang terkebelakang dan bercanggah dengan semangat Akta Perhimpunan Aman 2012 dan Perisytiharan Pembela Hak Asasi Manusia PBB, yang telah diterima pakai secara bersama oleh negara anggota PBB termasuk Malaysia.

Prinsip kebebasan bersuara adalah hak semua rakyat Malaysia selaras dengan beberapa piawaian hak asasi manusia antarabangsa berkaitan kebebasan berhimpun, dan dilindungi di bawah Perkara 10 Perlembagaan Persekutuan dan juga Perkara 19 Perisytiharan Hak Asasi Manusia Sejagat. Pihak berkuasa mempunyai kewajipan untuk menghormati dan membenarkan serta memudahkan perhimpunan aman berjalan dengan selamat dan lancar.

SUHAKAM berbesar hati dengan komitmen berterusan oleh semua pembela hak asasi manusia di negara ini atas semangat dan kesungguhan mereka ke arah mendukung prinsip hak asasi manusia pada setiap masa, tanpa mengira cabaran yang dihadapi. SUHAKAM menekankan bahawa sesiapa yang menyuarakan pandangan mereka mengenai hak asasi manusia tidak sepatutnya berasa takut terhadap intimidasi dan tindakan balas. Untuk maju ke hadapan, suara yang menyeru agar hak untuk dihormati, hidup secara saksama dan bermaruah perlu diberikan perhatian sewajarnya.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

8 Ogos 2021

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (1 AUGUST 2021) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) deployed a team to monitor the assembly organized by Sekretariat Solidariti Rakyat on 31 July 2021 in Kuala Lumpur which was participated by approximately 1000 people. The 7-person SUHAKAM observation team was led by Commissioner Jerald Joseph together with Commissioners Dato’ Mah Weng Kwai and Dr. Nik Salida Suhaila.

SUHAKAM observed that the assembly was peaceful without any untoward incidents. We were encouraged by the observance by the organizer and participants in making every effort to comply with the Pandemic Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place. We believe that this measure could be further improved in the future. 

The police were seen facilitating the assembly by negotiating with the organisers to ensure that the assembly happened, despite the last-minute change to disallow participants to gather at Dataran Merdeka as planned. As stated in its recent press statement dated 30 July 2021, SUHAKAM reiterated that the rights of the people to gather peacefully has been guaranteed in Part II, Article 10 (1)(b) of the Federal Constitution which states that all citizens have the right to assemble peaceably and without arms. SUHAKAM would like to express its gratitude to everyone who have respected the freedom of assembly and expression during the assembly.

We call on the Police to desist investigating and charging anyone merely for exercising this fundamental rights. Instead, SUHAKAM would like to propose for the authorities to emphasis on developing and strengthening the SOPs to enabling such gathering by mitigating the risk of the COVID-19.

SUHAKAM congratulates all involved in ensuring that this right was exercised in a responsible way by all parties and reiterates its call for all parties to work together in order to fulfil the rights for peaceful assembly whilst adhering to the current public health SOPs in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

1 August 2021

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (1 OGOS 2021) – Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) telah mengerakkan satu pasukan untuk memantau perhimpunan yang dianjurkan oleh Sekretariat Solidariti Rakyat di Kuala Lumpur pada 31 Julai 2021 yang dianggarkan telah disertai oleh lebih kurang 1000 peserta. Pasukan pemantau seramai 7 orang diketuai oleh Pesuruhjaya Jerald Joseph bersama dengan Pesuruhjaya Dato’ Mah Weng Kwai dan Dr. Nik Salida Suhaila.

Pemerhatian SUHAKAM mendapati bahawa perhimpunan diadakan secara aman tanpa sebarang kejadian yang tidak diingini. SUHAKAM memuji pematuhan oleh penganjur dan juga peserta dalam usaha untuk mematuhi Prosedur Operasi Standard (SOP) Pandemik yang telah ditetapkan. Kami percaya bahawa langkah-langkah ini boleh ditambah baik pada masa hadapan.

Pihak polis juga dilihat membantu memudah cara perhimpunan melalui rundingan dengan penganjur bagi memastikan perhimpunan dapat dijalankan walaupun pada saat-saat akhir, tidak membenarkan peserta berhimpun di Dataran Merdeka seperti yang dirancang. Sebagaimana yang dinyatakan di dalam kenyataan media SUHAKAM bertarikh 30 Julai 2021, SUHAKAM menekankan bahawa hak untuk berhimpun dijamin dalam Bahagian II, Perkara 10(1)(b) Perlembagaan Persekutuan yang menyatakan bahawa semua warganegara mempunyai hak untuk berhimpun secara aman tanpa senjata. SUHAKAM ingin merakamkan penghargaan kepada mereka yang menghormati hak untuk berhimpun dan bersuara semasa perhimpunan berlangsung.

SUHAKAM menyeru polis supaya menghentikan siasatan dan dakwaan kepada sesiapapun hanya kerana melaksanakan hak asasi ini semata-mata. Sebaliknya, SUHAKAM mengesyorkan agar pihak berkuasa menekankan pembangunan dan pengukuhan SOP bagi membolehkan perhimpunan awam dijalankan dengan mengurangkan risiko COVID-19.

SUHAKAM mengucapkan tahniah kepada semua yang terlibat dalam memastikan hak ini dilaksanakan secara bertanggungjawab oleh semua pihak, dan mengulangi seruannya agar semua pihak bekerjasama untuk memenuhi hak kepada perhimpunan secara aman dan dalam masa yang sama mematuhi SOP kesihatan awam semasa bagi mengawal pandemik COVID-19.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

1 Ogos 2021

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (30 JULY 2021) – The COVID-19 pandemic has proven its ability to cause unprecedented challenges to human rights globally. Laws and regulations to restrict public gathering and freedom of movement have been implemented in many countries including Malaysia. Such restrictions should be imposed solely for the purpose of managing public health concerns, based on necessity.

With the spike of COVID-19 new cases in the country especially in the Klang Valley, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) recognizes the difficulties faced in efforts to juggle and balance between public health priorities and rights of the people to gather peacefully as granted in Part II, Article 10 (1)(b) of the Federal Constitution which states that all citizens have the right to assemble peaceably and without arms.

Whilst understanding the complexity of the situation, SUHAKAM, however, expresses its concerns over the arrest of organizers and the activists of a planned assembly whilst their belongings were confiscated by the police. SUHAKAM advises the authorities, in particular the police, that they have an obligation both, legally and morally to facilitate peaceful assemblies and to protect freedom of expression. Therefore, SUHAKAM wishes to remind the Government of its commitments following the 3rd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) cycle in 2018, whereby the Government accepted all recommendations to revise the Peaceful Assembly Act in order to eliminate discrimination and hindrance to the peaceful assembly.

SUHAKAM also calls for the organizers and all individuals participating in the peaceful assembly to observe and strictly comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) at all times. Those with COVID-19 symptoms or comorbidities should restrain themselves from participating in the peaceful assembly.

SUHAKAM urges the authorities to facilitate the peaceful assembly by providing an adequate space at an appropriate location for the assembly to take place, thereby enabling physical distancing and health screening of the participants to be conducted safely. SUHAKAM hopes that all parties including the police and the organizers are able to collaborate in order to achieve a win-win solution, in line with respecting the rights for peaceful assembly whilst managing current public health SoPs and COVID-19 pandemic.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

30 July 2021

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (30 JULAI 2021) – Pandemik COVID-19 telah membuktikan kemampuannya untuk menyebabkan cabaran yang tidak pernah terjadi sebelum ini kepada hak asasi manusia di seluruh dunia. Undang-undang dan peraturan bagi menyekat perhimpunan awam dan kebebasan bergerak telah dilaksanakan oleh banyak negara termasuk Malaysia.  Sekatan tersebut seharusnya dikenakan hanya dengan tujuan untuk menangani isu berkaitan kesihatan awam berdasarkan keperluan.

Dengan lonjakan kes COVID-19 di seluruh negara terutamanya di kawasan Lembah Klang, Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) mengiktiraf kesukaran yang dihadapi dalam usaha untuk menangani dan mengimbangi kepentingan kesihatan awam dan hak rakyat untuk berhimpun secara aman seperti yang termaktub dalam Bahagian II, Perkara 10(1)(b) Perlembagaan Persekutuan yang menyatakan bahawa semua warganegara mempunyai hak untuk berhimpun secara aman tanpa senjata.

Meskipun memahami kerumitan situasi ini, SUHAKAM bimbang terhadap penahanan pihak penganjur dan aktivis perhimpunan serta rampasan barangan milik mereka oleh pihak polis. SUHAKAM menasihatkan agar pihak berkuasa, terutamanya pihak polis, bahawa mereka mempunyai kewajipan moral dan undang-undang untuk memudah cara perhimpunan aman dan memelihara hak untuk bersuara. Sehubungan itu, SUHAKAM ingin mengingatkan Kerajaan akan komitmennya dalam Kitaran Ketiga Penilaian Berkala Sejagat (UPR) pada 2018, bahawa Kerajaan menerima semua syor-syor untuk menilai semula Akta Perhimpunan Aman bagi menghapuskan diskriminasi dan halangan kepada perhimpunan aman.

SUHAKAM juga menyeru agar pihak penganjur dan semua individu yang ingin menyertai perhimpunan aman untuk memantau dan mematuhi prosedur operasi standard (SoP) pada setiap masa. Mereka yang mempunyai simptom COVID-19 atau golongan berisiko tinggi perlu menghindari daripada menyertai perhimpunan aman.

SUHAKAM menggesa pihak berkuasa untuk memudah cara perhimpunan aman dengan menyediakan ruang yang mencukupi di kawasan yang bersesuaian agar perhimpunan dapat diadakan, dan membolehkan penjarakan sosial dan saringan kesihatan terhadap peserta dapat dijalankan dengan selamat. SUHAKAM berharap agar semua pihak termasuk pihak polis dan penganjur dapat bekerjasama bagi mencapai situasi menang-menang, selari dengan memenuhi hak untuk berhimpun secara aman sementara menangani pandemik COVID-19 dan isu kesihatan awam.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

30 Julai 2021

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