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Press Statement No. 29-2024_SUHAKAM Urges the Authorities Reconsider the Use of SOSMA in GISB Detentions

KUALA LUMPUR (25 NOVEMBER 2024) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) voices its profound concern over the recent detentions of individuals associated with Global Ikhwan Sdn. Bhd. (GISB) under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA). The use of SOSMA, designed to address serious national security threats, appears disproportionate in this case, which concerns alleged offences pertaining to deviant religious activities and abuses of children rather than offences pertaining to any serious criminal activities.

SUHAKAM underscores that invoking SOSMA’s Draconian provisions risks eroding Malaysia’s commitment to justice, the Rule of Law and fundamental human rights. This action sets a troubling precedent, as it could ‘justify’ the use of national security laws in instances that do not meet the situational gravity that SOSMA was intended to address. Such an approach is highly inappropriate given the efficacy of the Criminal Procedure Code to deal with the alleged offences mentioned, which require due process within an open and accountable legal system.

Whilst SUHAKAM acknowledges the government’s broader efforts towards legal reform, this particular application of SOSMA in the GISB case sends an inconsistent and concerning message. It risks undermining public confidence in the justice system and could be perceived as distasteful and inconsistent with the reformist trajectory.

The Commission calls on the government to fulfil its obligations under international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which mandate safeguards against arbitrary detention and uphold the presumption of innocence. SUHAKAM also urges authorities to utilize transparent judicial processes, charge individuals appropriately under the Criminal Procedure Code and ensure their access to fair legal representation.

To sustain public confidence and to uphold the integrity of the justice system, SUHAKAM recommends a thorough review of SOSMA, emphasizing the need for a fair transparent and just provisions and stringent legal oversight mechanisms, so as to have effective safeguard against any abuses of the law. Protecting national security must not come at the expense of undermining human rights.

SUHAKAM remains steadfast in promoting a justice system that respects human dignity, transparency and accountability, and it reiterates that the rights and welfare of all individuals must be protected within the bounds of the fundamental liberties as guaranteed by the Federal Constitution and the Rule of Law.

-END-

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 25 November 2024

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Press Statement No. 28-2024 (OCC)_Stronger Sentence Needed for Child Abuse Offenders

STRONGER SENTENCE NEEDED FOR CHILD ABUSE OFFENDERS

KUALA LUMPUR (12 NOVEMBER 2024) – The Children’s Commissioner (CC) of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia is appalled at the recent news revealing that a young mother and her two friends were only sentenced to 14 days’ imprisonment and fined RM10,000 each by the Sessions Court for committing child abuse against the young mother’s 3-year-old son.

The inadequacy of the sentence – 14 days out of the 20-year maximum imprisonment term stipulated under Section 31 of the Child Act 2001 for an offence that has become a matter of public interest – is profoundly inadequate and fails to convey society’s abhorrence for such acts. While acknowledging that the mother is a youthful offender, the aims of retribution and deterrence in sentencing must be upheld, especially when the offence is serious and targets a defenceless victim.

Reports indicate that the child was confined in a cage by the three offenders, as the mother claimed she needed to go to work. The child was also allegedly kicked by the mother’s two friends while the mother looked on. The boy was found to have sustained injuries to his abdomen, eyebrows, limbs, and back.

The CC believes that this abuse was inhumane and calls on the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) to file a Notice of Appeal immediately to send a clear message that child abuse is intolerable. The CC also urges the relevant authorities to follow up on the welfare of the child to ensure his best interests are safeguarded. The CC recommends that the child be placed with a foster family familiar to him and that the mother undergo at least six months of counselling to address her inability to provide appropriate care for her son.

The CC would like to remind every stakeholder involved in children’s welfare of the words of the judges in the Court of Appeal case DPP vs. Asmarani bt Ghazali: “When dealing with children, there can be no room for error or failure. Children are vulnerable and defenceless and require society and the law to safeguard their interests, which must not be disregarded or compromised due to mistakes or misjudgments by adults.”

-END-

Dr Farah Nini Dusuki
Children’s Commissioner 

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
12 November 2024

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HUKUMAN LEBIH BERAT DIPERLUKAN TERHADAP PENDERA KANAK-KANAK

KUALA LUMPUR (12 NOVEMBER 2024) – Pesuruhjaya Kanak-Kanak (CC) Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia mempersoalkan hukuman penjara 14 hari dan denda sebanyak RM10,000 setiap seorang yang diputuskan oleh Mahkamah Sesyen ke atas seorang ibu muda dan dua rakannya yang didapati bersalah mendera anak lelaki ibu muda tersebut yang berusia 3 tahun, seperti yang dilaporkan akhbar semalam.

Hukuman penjara selama 14 hari daripada tempoh maksimum penjara selama 20 tahun yang diperuntukkan di bawah Seksyen 31 Akta Kanak-Kanak 2001 untuk kesalahan yang telah menjadi isu kepentingan awam tersebut, adalah sangat ringan dan gagal menterjemahkan rasa jengkel masyarakat terhadap perbuatan pesalah yang kejam. Kita semua memahami bahawa ibu tersebut ialah seorang pesalah muda, namun tujuan pembalasan dan pencegahan dalam hukuman hendaklah ditegakkan, terutamanya sekali apabila kesalahan itu serius dan menyasarkan mangsa yang tidak berdaya.

Laporan menunjukkan bahawa kanak-kanak tersebut telah dikurung dalam sangkar kerana ibunya mendakwa terpaksa berbuat demikian untuk pergi bekerja. Kanak-kanak juga telah ditendang oleh dua orang rakan ibunya sementara ibunya hanya melihat perbuatan tersebut. Kanak-kanak itu didapati mengalami kecederaan pada bahagian perut, kening, beberapa anggota badan, dan belakang.

CC menegaskan bahawa perbuatan mereka adalah tidak berperikemanusiaan dan menyeru Timbalan Pendakwa Raya (TPR) untuk memfailkan Notis Rayuan dengan segera bagi memberi mesej yang jelas kepada masyarakat bahawa penderaan kanak-kanak adalah sama sekali tidak boleh diterima. CC juga menggesa pihak berkuasa yang berkaitan untuk membuat susulan lanjut berhubung kebajikan kanak-kanak tersebut bagi memastikan kepentingan terbaiknya dilindungi. CC mengesyorkan supaya kanak-kanak tersebut ditempatkan dengan keluarga angkat yang dikenalinya, manakala ibunya pula perlu menjalani sekurang-kurangnya enam bulan kaunseling untuk menangani kelemahannya dalam memberikan penjagaan yang terbaik terhadap kanak- kanak.

CC ingin mengingatkan semua pemegang taruh yang terlibat dalam menjaga kebajikan kanak-kanak akan kata-kata para hakim bijaksana dalam kes Mahkamah Rayuan DPP vs. Asmarani bt Ghazali: “Apabila berurusan dengan kanak-kanak, tidak boleh ada ruang untuk kesilapan atau kegagalan. Kanak-kanak adalah golongan yang lemah dan tidak berdaya serta memerlukan masyarakat dan undang-undang untuk melindungi kepentingan mereka, yang mana ia tidak boleh diketepikan atau dikompromi oleh kesalahan dan pertimbangan sambil lewa oleh orang dewasa.”

-TAMAT-

Dr Farah Nini Dusuki
Pesuruhjaya Kanak-Kanak

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
12 November 2024

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Press Statement No. 27-2024_SUHAKAM Calls for the Abolition of Corporal Punishment

KUALA LUMPUR (22 OCTOBER 2024) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses its deepest concern over the recent death of an inmate at Pokok Sena Prison, reportedly after corporal punishment by whipping. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the protection of human rights.

SUHAKAM unequivocally opposes all forms of corporal punishment, including whipping, as they violate fundamental human rights and human dignity. The severe physical and psychological harm caused by corporal punishment is a direct contradiction to international human rights standards as prescribed by article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which provide that no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment. Further, article 1 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) defines torture to include “any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted.” Corporal punishment clearly falls under this definition and should be regarded as inhumane and degrading.

The CAT, adopted in 1984 by the General Assembly Resolution of 1984 and now ratified or acceded to by 173 states, represents a global commitment to abolish torture and inhumane treatment. Unfortunately, Malaysia remains amongst the minority nations that have yet to be a party to CAT, despite the moral obligation to uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals in the penal system. Even within ASEAN, countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam have already acceded to the CAT, setting an example for the region. SUHAKAM urges Malaysia to join these nations in taking a firm stance against torture, including corporal punishment by acceding to CAT.

In light of the recent tragedy at Pokok Sena Prison, we call on the government to immediately abolish all forms of corporal punishment, including those codified in the Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, the Prisons Act, and related legislation. Furthermore, corporal punishment in schools, which normalizes violence against children, must also be outlawed to safeguard the mental and physical well-being of future generations.

This incident underscores the urgency of comprehensive reform. We call on authorities to conduct a full, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. However, addressing this incident in isolation is insufficient. Malaysia must reform its criminal justice system and abandon harmful, outdated practices like corporal punishment in favour of rehabilitative approaches that respect human dignity.

SUHAKAM advocates for a justice system based on deterrence, rehabilitation and the inherent dignity of every person. Measures that emphasize justice, accountability and public safety, without resorting to violence, are essential to creating a just society. These measures must be aligned with Malaysia’s international human rights obligations and a commitment to justice, fairness, and humanity.

SUHAKAM will continue to monitor this case closely and engage with the relevant authorities to push for reforms that align with international standards. Abolishing corporal punishment is not merely a legal obligation but a moral necessity to uphold justice, human rights, and the dignity of all.

-END-

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 22 October 2024

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Press Statement No. 26-2024_Positive Economic Steps, Significant Human Rights Concerns Remain

KUALA LUMPUR (21 OCTOBER 2024) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) acknowledges the efforts of the government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in presenting Budget 2025. The initiatives aimed at equitable economic growth, fiscal responsibility and governance reforms are commendable. However, while the Budget reflects positive steps in Malaysia’s fiscal policy and development, it falls short in addressing critical human rights concerns, particularly in areas affecting marginalized and vulnerable groups.

SUHAKAM welcomes the government’s focus on children, including incentives for special needs (OKU) children and tax breaks for parents of children with autism. Efforts to tackle child malnutrition in public housing (PPR) and the increased allocation to agencies dealing with online safety, child pornography and cyberbullying are positive. The strengthening of relevant laws to address scams and cybercrimes targeting children, as well as the introduction of new legal frameworks, represents a proactive step towards protecting children in the digital age.

Despite these improvements, SUHAKAM stresses that the Budget 2025 lacks clear plans to safeguard the rights of migrant workers, refugees and stateless individuals. These communities continue to face exploitation, with limited access to healthcare, education and legal protection. Stronger frameworks are needed to prevent human trafficking and exploitation, ensuring these groups can access justice and basic services, in line with Malaysia’s international obligations.

The Budget mentions infrastructure projects for rural and indigenous communities but fails to address the protection of indigenous peoples’ land rights. Their participation in decision-making on development projects remains limited, often resulting in displacement and loss of traditional lands. SUHAKAM emphasizes the importance of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in all development activities to preserve their rights and cultural heritage.

On gender equality, Budget 2025’s focus on gender-based violence (GBV) remains inadequate. The absence of specific allocations for strengthening legal frameworks and support services for victims is alarming. SUHAKAM urges the government to prioritize protection for women, particularly in addressing domestic violence, sexual harassment and workplace discrimination.

Malaysia’s aging population continues to grow, yet their specific needs remain largely unaddressed. Access to healthcare, social protection and protection from abuse are essential human rights that cannot be overlooked. SUHAKAM calls for a comprehensive national aging policy that guarantees the dignity and rights of elderly citizens. In addition, while poverty alleviation is a government focus, the Budget lacks a human rights-based approach to economic and social rights. Marginalized communities continue to struggle with inadequate housing, food security and fair wages. SUHAKAM stresses the need for legal protections that ensure equitable access to resources, affordable housing and decent work for all, especially low-income families.

Mental health services, especially post-pandemic, remain critically underfunded. While economic recovery is emphasized, there is limited attention to community-based mental health care. SUHAKAM calls for greater resources to be allocated towards mental health services, ensuring that individuals with mental health conditions receive the necessary care and protection.

Additionally, the budget does not sufficiently address the rights and needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs). The lack of focus on accessibility, inclusive education and employment opportunities is concerning. SUHAKAM urges the government to align its policies with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), ensuring equal access to public services and economic opportunities for all PWDs.

While institutional reforms are mentioned, Budget 2025 falls short in addressing access to justice for vulnerable groups. SUHAKAM advocates for comprehensive legal reforms to ensure marginalized communities can access justice and hold perpetrators of human rights violations accountable.

On a positive note, SUHAKAM recognizes the increased budget for the judiciary, the boost to the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) in tackling online safety issues – including for children – and the anticipated Online Safety Bill. The rise in cash aid under Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and the allocations for combating child malnutrition in PPR areas are steps in the right direction.

Despite these commendable initiatives, the minimum wage still does not reflect the actual cost of living, as evidenced by reports from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK). Additionally, the Baitul Mahabbah program continues with no expansion to cover all children below 18 years, nor an indication of family or community placement.

SUHAKAM acknowledges the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and governance reforms in Budget 2025. However, we urge the government to ensure that its economic growth strategies are inclusive and that human rights, particularly for marginalized communities, are at the forefront of national development. A Budget that truly supports the people must address not only fiscal concerns but also the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms for all.

-END-

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 21 October 2024

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Press Statement No. 25-2024_Press Statement on Constitutional (Amendment) Bill 2024 – 2.0

KUALA LUMPUR (15 OCTOBER 2024) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) would like to provide insights in our recent interactions with several stakeholders in relation to the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024. SUHAKAM is empowered and mandated under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 [Act 597] to advise the Government on matters relating to human rights including the issue of statelessness in Malaysia. Notwithstanding the differences and limited access to record of past meetings, SUHAKAM appreciates the past discussions transpired, that involves the participation of diverse parts of the society in this issue with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

SUHAKAM has been engaged in several consultations on the Bill with the Ministry of Home Affairs and has consistently put forward our stance pertaining to the concerns on the substantive arguments of the Bill and its consequences. Whilst several consensuses have been reached, SUHAKAM maintains its position on our dissent to the proposed amendment of the removal of the automatic citizenship to children of permanent residents. Moreover, SUHAKAM strongly urges on the application of retrospective effect for children born overseas of Malaysian mother and non-Malaysian father after September 2001 as stated in our previous statement.

In conjunction with the imminent Parliamentary Debate on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2024, SUHAKAM reaffirms its firm position on the importance of transparent and accountable governance in the legislative process, particularly with regard to bills that have profound implications for the rights and welfare of the people. It is essential that such bills undergo a thorough review, taking into account public concerns and ensuring that they meet the highest standards of human rights protection.

SUHAKAM strongly urges the Government to consider referring the Bill to joint Parliamentary Special Select Committee (PSSC) of Human Rights, Election and Institutional Reform and the Women, Children and Community Development for further scrutiny and engagement. The bill in its current form continues to raise significant concern among stakeholders and civil society organizations, who have voiced worry over its potential impact. The voices of the people cannot and should not be sidelined in the legislative process. SUHAKAM reminds the Government of its duty to uphold democratic principles and ensure that laws passed are representative of the public interest. A referral to the PSSC will provide the necessary platform for further scrutiny, allowing for comprehensive feedback from all relevant sectors of society.

SUHAKAM stands ready to provide any necessary assistance to ensure that the review process is inclusive, robust, and reflective of the voices of all Malaysians.

-END-

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 15 October 2024

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Press Statement No. 24-2024_SUHAKAM Urges Immediate Action on OCC’s Call For a RCI Into the GISB Case

KUALA LUMPUR (11 OCTOBER 2024) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) firmly supports the Office of the Children’s Commissioner’s (OCC) recommendation to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the grave allegations surrounding the Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd (GISB) case. The reported human rights violations, including mistreatment, exploitation, and abuse of children, call for an urgent and decisive action.

SUHAKAM asserts that an RCI is the most effective mechanism for ensuring a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into these serious allegations. Establishing the RCI will not only hold perpetrators accountable but also address the systemic failures within the regulatory and enforcement agencies tasked with child protection. Impunity for violations of children’s rights cannot be tolerated. The inquiry must pave the way for justice for the victims and comprehensive reforms to strengthen Malaysia’s child protection framework.

The GISB case exposes significant lapses in oversight and governance, with the alleged abuses reportedly going unnoticed for over 10 years. SUHAKAM stresses that the inquiry should prioritize identifying institutional weaknesses that allowed such violations to persist unchecked. There is an urgent need to streamline governance for child protection and alternative care institutions under a unified agency or authority. The case highlights a fragmented regulatory framework, where different homes fall under various jurisdictions, including State Islamic Religious Councils, the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), and, in some instances, the Ministry of Education. This fragmentation has led to inefficiencies and catastrophic failures in allowing children to fall through the cracks.

Children’s Commissioner Dr. Farah Nini Dusuki reiterates that establishing an RCI will not only uncover the root causes of these abuses but also propel necessary legal and institutional reforms to prevent such cases from recurring. It is time to re-examine existing oversight mechanisms and ensure robust protections across all institutions responsible for children’s care and welfare.

SUHAKAM calls on the government and all relevant authorities to act swiftly in supporting the establishment of the RCI. Such an inquiry will send a powerful message of the government’s commitment to justice, transparency, and the protection of children. It is crucial that the RCI provides a platform for victims, their families, and the public to voice their concerns, seek justice, and achieve closure.

Moreover, SUHAKAM urges all parties involved to fully respect the rights of the victims, particularly the children, throughout the investigative process. Protecting children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, and neglect is a fundamental obligation under Malaysian law and international human rights standards, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), to which Malaysia is a party.

In reaffirming our commitment to upholding human rights in Malaysia, SUHAKAM stands ready to assist the RCI in pursuing justice and accountability. We are dedicated to ensuring that this inquiry not only delivers justice for the victims but also brings about the comprehensive reforms necessary to protect future generations of children from similar exploitation.

-END-

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 11 October 2024

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Press Statement No. 23-2024_Constitutional (Amendment) Bill of Citizenship Clauses

KUALA LUMPUR (7 OCTOBER 2024) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) is deeply alarmed about the recent news of a Member of Parliament’s remark on the exemption of Sabah from provisions of proposed amendments to citizenship clauses. Article 161E(2)(a) of the Federal Constitution requires the concurrence of the states of Sabah and Sarawak for the amendment of citizenship clauses. The abrupt development signalled the disarray of the government in the preparation of this bill.

SUHAKAM strongly urges the Government to seriously reconsider the removal of present automatic right to citizenship of children born within Malaysia to permanent residents. The rights to citizenship that has been entrenched in the Federal Constitution through the wisdom of our forefathers should not be taken away by way of any amendment to the Constitution. SUHAKAM would like to reiterate its stance to the amendment to the Federal Constitution on citizenship rights should be in the spirit of enhancing these rights and not directed to taking away or diluting these rights. It remains our concern that the removal of the right to automatic citizenship of children born to permanent residents would only exacerbate the problem of statelessness.

Moreover, despite the applaudable move in the bill to extend equal rights to Malaysian women to pass down citizenship to their children born overseas, we would like to emphasise on the application of retrospective effect for the benefit of children born after September 2001.  The constitutional amendment of Article 8 in 2001 guarantees equal treatment for both genders before the law and the retrospectivity will not only level up the past inequality for the affected Malaysian women and but also remedy the unfairness to the said children who should have been entitled to automatic citizenship had their mothers not been discriminated.

SUHAKAM urges the Government and Parliamentarians to continue in holding meaningful consultations and pragmatic engagements with all relevant stakeholders including stateless children and affected communities in addressing the causes of statelessness and the impediment for registration of document.

The current state of statelessness in Malaysia did not happen in a vacuum nor it is accidental. It reflects and exposes the perpetual creation of statelessness in our public service delivery for decades. It is clear that an overhaul reform is necessitated with urgency and good faith to fix the broken system.

Whilst SUHAKAM appreciates the piecemeal initiatives and various efforts demonstrated recently by the Ministry of Home Affairs in expediting citizenship application and registration of birth and marriage within the marginalised community, however, there must be in place the legal and administrative safeguards so as to avoid any individual falls through the crack of the system that render them stateless or undocumented.
SUHAKAM calls upon Members of Parliament and Senators from both Houses to set the parameters in the upcoming Parliamentary debate to get categorical assurance from the government in their administrative and legislative reform to not only end statelessness but deliver a clear, transparent and inclusive pathway towards citizenship for prospective nationals.

-END-

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

Date: 7 October 2024

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Press Statement No. 22-2024_SUHAKAM Demands Urgent Action on Human Rights Violations Affecting Vulnerable Communities

KUALA LUMPUR (21 SEPTEMBER 2024) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses its profound concern over what appears to be a persistent neglect of critical human rights issues impacting vulnerable communities, despite the call from us (SUHAKAM) and the repeated calls for action from civil societies and the individual affected.

In particular, SUHAKAM alludes to the alleged complaint of assault by Mr. Ong In Keong, the e-hailing cab driver, a person with disability, against a police officer. The alleged incident took place in May 2024, about almost 4 months ago. But, sadly, until today, no prosecutorial action has been taken against the said police officer.

SUHAKAM reiterates what we have stated in our previous media statement of 16 August 2024.

SUHAKAM is deeply dismayed by the deafening silence on the part of the Attorney General cum Public Prosecutor on the issue as to whether prosecutorial proceeding will be taken against the police officer concerned; or otherwise.

If the Attorney General cum Public Prosecutor takes the position that he does not intend to prosecute the said police officer, he must announce it to the public stating his reasons in clear terms for the decision not to prosecute. 

On the other hand, if the Attorney General cum Public Prosecutor has in mind to prosecute the police officer concerned, with respect, why is he taking so long to do so, as the case is a straightforward case of assault under the Penal Code. 

The learned Honourable Attorney General needs no reminder that justice delayed is justice denied to the said Mr. Ong, the alleged victim. Under Article 8 of the Federal Constitution everyone is equal before the law and is entitled to the equal protection of the law – and this includes Mr. Ong. 

We strongly repeat what we had said earlier. No person should be denied of his human rights, let alone a person belonging to a vulnerable community.

As this is a case of public interest involving a person with disability, a member of the vulnerable community, the Attorney General, as the guardian of public conscience, has a constitutional and moral duty to publicly address the issue. Good governance, the principle of transparency and the Rule of Law expects him to do so. 

Silence is not an option on the part of the Attorney General.

There should not be this public perception that the criminal justice system has been compromised or undermined.

SUHAKAM awaits the response of the Attorney General.

-END-

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

Date: 21 September 2024