Posts in category: Press Statement

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (4 AUGUST  2022) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) had received a complaint, in relation to the death of 36 year old Kim Shih Keat in Kluang Prison, Johor, on 28 June 2022.

In line with its power as defined under the Human Rights Commission Act 1999 [Act 597], SUHAKAM has initiated an investigation and, thus far, obtained detailed information from the family of the deceased, as well as recorded statements from prison officers and the prisoner’s cellmates at the Kluang Prison on 2 August 2022.

SUHAKAM takes a serious view of death in custody (DIC) cases and continues to engage with the relevant stakeholders to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and, to enact or review of relevant laws in addressing this issue. SUHAKAM is of the view that all DIC cases should be investigated through an inquest process which is transparent and comprehensive in manner. SUHAKAM wishes to reiterate the importance of Custodial Health Unit (CHU) in Police Detention Centres which aims to monitor and manage the health of those detained, to minimise the risk of DICs. This initiative was initiated by SUHAKAM in collaboration with the Royal Police Malaysia (PDRM) and Ministry of Health (MOH).

SUHAKAM had published the report on “Deaths in Police Custody: a Thematic Study on Lock-Up Conditions and Factors Contributing to Death” in 2016, and “The Right to Health in Prison in Malaysia” in 2017. Both reports highlighted the importance of on-going monitoring and management of detainees’ health while they are in detention.

The right to life is guaranteed in Article 5(1) of the Federal Constitution, Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). DIC remains, as it always has been, a major focus and SUHAKAM stands ready to work with the authorities to identify ways and means to reduce the risk of DICs.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

4 August 2022

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (4 OGOS 2022)  –  Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) telah menerima aduan berkenaan kes kematian Kim Shih Keat, 36 tahun, yang ditemui mati di Penjara Kluang, Johor pada 28 Jun 2022.

Selaras dengan bidang  kuasanya, SUHAKAM telah bertindak di bawah Akta Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia 1999 [Akta 597] menjalankan siasatan dan telah merekodkan maklumat terperinci daripada keluarga mendiang serta membuat lawatan ke Penjara Kluang pada 2 Ogos 2022 untuk mendapatkan keterangan lanjut serta merekodkan keterangan anggota penjara dan juga rakan sel yang berkenaan.

SUHAKAM memandang serius isu kematian dalam tahanan dan sering mengadakan perbincangan dengan kesemua pihak berkepentingan untuk merangka prosedur operasi standard (SOP) dan juga penggubalan atau pindaan undang-undang yang perlu untuk mengatasi isu ini. SUHAKAM berpendirian bahawa kesemua kematian dalam tahanan seharusnya disiasat secara terbuka dan menyeluruh melalui prosiding inkues. SUHAKAM ingin menekankan akan kepentingan penubuhan Unit Kesihatan Dalam Tahanan Polis yang berperanan untuk memantau dan menguruskan perkhidmatan kesihatan di pusat tahanan polis bagi mengurangkan risiko kejadian  kematian dalam tahanan. Inisiatif ini dimulakan oleh SUHAKAM dengan kerjasama Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) dan juga Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM).

Pada 2016, SUHAKAM telah menerbitkan laporan bertajuk “Kematian Dalam Tahanan Polis: Satu Kaji Selidik Mengenai Keadaan Lokap dan Faktor-faktor Penyumbang kepada Kematian” dan pada 2017 SUHAKAM juga telah menerbitkan laporan bertajuk “Hak Kepada Kesihatan di dalam Penjara: Laporan dan Hasil Kaji Selidik di Malaysia” yang mana kedua-dua laporan ini menekankan akan kepentingan untuk memantau serta menguruskan kesihatan tahanan semasa mereka berada dalam tahanan.

Hak kepada nyawa adalah dijamin di bawah Perkara 5 (1) Perlembagaan Persekutuan, Perkara 3 Perisytiharan Hak Asasi Manusia Sejagat (UDHR) dan Perkara 6 Kovenan Antarabangsa mengenai Hak Sivil dan Politik (ICCPR). Isu kematian dalam tahanan akan kekal menjadi fokus utama dan SUHAKAM sentiasa bersedia   bekerjasama dengan pihak berkuasa mencari jalan dan cara untuk mengurangkan risiko kematian dalam tahanan.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

4 Ogos 2022

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (26 APRIL 2022) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses grave disappointment with the remarks by the Mufti of Perlis, Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin (also known as Dr Maza), on Muslim lawyers “that Islam forbade them from protecting wrongdoers or sinners, adding that it was sinful and haram for them to accept service payment from offenders”.

The law is that Article 5(3) of the Federal Constitution guarantees the right to be represented by a legal practitioner of a person’s choice, and Article 8 provides constitutional protection, whereby all persons are equal and are entitled to equal protection by the law. Access to justice is a basic human right and an important element in any legal system.

SUHAKAM supports the statement by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament & Law), YB Dato’ Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar that “lawyers had no power to declare whether a person was guilty or innocent” and “only judges have the authority on the matter”.

In furtherance to this, SUHAKAM reiterates its call that necessary steps should be taken to ensure that the fundamental, and constitutionally guaranteed, right to legal representation is upheld.  Access to legal counsel is a cornerstone of our criminal justice system, and a crucial safeguard for the rights of a detained person. The right to be represented by a legal practitioner of a person’s choice, is a basic human right that needs to be respected. A person is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty and as such he is entitled to legal representation and the right to be defended in a court of law.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

26 April 2022

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (26 APRIL 2022)  –  The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) is deeply distressed and concerned over the recent news that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will commence an investigation into a report of an allegation of corruption against YA Dato’ Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali, JCA (“YA Dato’ Nazlan”), an action that is unconstitutional and unprecedented by MACC, given that there are specific provisions under the Federal Constitution, to deal with allegations of wrong doing against superior court  judges.

Article 125(3A) of the Federal Constitution provides that where a superior court judge has allegedly committed a breach of any of the provisions of the Code of Ethics and the Chief Justice is of the opinion that the breach does not warrant the superior court judge to be referred to a tribunal for removal from office pursuant to Clause (4), then the Chief Justice can refer the matter to the Judges’ Ethics Committee established pursuant to the Judges’ Ethics Committee Act 2010 [Act 703].  SUHAKAM subscribes to and supports the principle of separation of powers to ensure the integrity and independence of the Judiciary is protected and to avoid any interference and political pressure against any member of the Judiciary at any time.

SUHAKAM questions the motive of MACC in launching the investigation and is of the view that MACC’s proposed investigation will set a negative and dangerous precedent that may undermine the Judiciary as an institution and as one of the pillars of a democratic Government. This may also open the floodgate to frivolous and vexatious charges and abuse of process by enforcement agencies against the Judiciary.

SUHAKAM supports the view that all judges must have the proper space to discharge their judicial duties in a manner apparent to all, and that the judicial process and decision is independent, free of any interference, considered, reasoned and honest.  Above all that, it is vital for justice not only to be seen to be done but must be done according to the law.

Accordingly, SUHAKAM calls upon the MACC to stop all investigations against YA Dato’ Nazlan, immediately.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

26 April 2022

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (25 APRIL 2022)   –   The Children’s Commissioner (CC), Prof. Dato’ Noor Aziah Mohd Awal is saddened by the recent news that six Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, including two children were killed as they attempted to cross a highway as hundreds fled an immigration detention center where a riot has broken out early morning on 20 April 2022.

Based on the CC’s observations during her monitoring visits to immigration detention centers in Lenggeng, the depot was overcrowded with detainees, and in Lenggeng, Langkawi and Belantik, the depots were understaffed. While most immigrant detainees are deported back to their countries of origin through the intervention of the embassy of their respective countries, the Rohingya refugees in Malaysia are unable to return back to Myanmar based on international customary law – principle of non-refoulment that guarantees that no one should be returned to their country where they are subjected to persecution.

Malaysia is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, Malaysia is, however a party to the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Article 22 of the CRC states that the State must ensure that a child who is seeking refugee status or who has been determined to be a refugee shall receive appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance. In addition, children who are seeking asylum or who have been granted refugee status are entitled to the full enjoyment of their rights under the four basic principles of the CRC which states that children should not be discriminated against, be treated with humanity and respect, have their voices heard and to prioritise the best interests of the child.

The CC urged the Government:

1. to consider allowing UNHCR to issue UNHCR cards to all Rohingya refugees, particularly those who were involved in the riot. The UNHCR’s resettlement programme is proposed to also prioritise Rohingyas in an aspiration towards a durable solution in the form of resettlement to a third country;
2. to establish an independent body consisting of representatives other than the Ministry of Home Ministry to investigate the incident;
3. not to reprimand those re-arrested or to instill fears or hatred amongst the local in Relau towards the Rohingyas who are still at large;
4. to include Rohingya children in the alternative to detention pilot project as these children need to be given the opportunity to live in a more secure and conducive environment; and
5. to add more staff to understaffed immigration depots.

-END-

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

25 April 2022

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (25 APRIL 2022)   –   Pesuruhjaya Kanak-Kanak, Prof. Dato’ Noor Aziah Mohd Awal (CC) berasa dukacita dengan berita baru-baru ini berhubung enam orang pelarian dari Myanmar termasuk dua kanak-kanak yang maut ketika mereka cuba menyeberangi lebuh raya semasa ratusan jumlah pelarian melarikan diri daripada pusat tahanan imigresen di mana satu rusuhan tercetus pada awal pagi 20 April 2022.

Berdasarkan pemerhatian CC semasa lawatan pemantauannya di pusat tahanan imigresen di Lenggeng, depot didapati sesak dengan tahanan, dan di Lenggeng, Langkawi dan Belantik, depot didapati kekurangan kakitangan. Kebanyakan tahanan migran dihantar pulang ke negara asal melalui campur tangan wakil kedutaan negara masing-masing, namun pelarian Rohingya di Malaysia tidak boleh dihantar pulang ke Myanmar kerana peruntukan di bawah undang-undang adat antarabangsa, prinsip non-refoulement memberi jaminan bahawa tiada sesiapa harus dihantar pulang ke negara asal mereka di mana mereka akan mengalami penindasan.

Malaysia tidak menandatangani Konvensyen Pelarian 1951, tetapi Malaysia merupakan sebuah negara pihak kepada Konvensyen Mengenai Hak Kanak-Kanak 1989 (CRC). Perkara 22 CRC menyatakan bahawa negara pihak harus memastikan kanak-kanak yang mencari status pelarian, atau kanak-kanak yang telah disahkan sebagai pelarian hendaklah diberikan perlindungan dan bantuan kemanusiaan yang sewajarnya. Di samping itu, kanak-kanak pencari suaka atau yang telah diberikan status pelarian berhak untuk mendapat hak mereka di bawah empat prinsip utama CRC yang menyatakan bahawa kanak-kanak tidak boleh didiskriminasi, perlu dilayan dengan kemanusiaan dan rasa hormat, suara mereka harus didengari dan kepentingan terbaik kanak-kanak harus diberi keutamaan.

Oleh itu, CC menggesa pihak Kerajaan:

1. untuk memberi kebenaran kepada UNHCR untuk mengeluarkan kad UNHCR kepada semua pelarian Rohingya, terutamanya mereka yang terlibat dalam rusuhan tersebut. Program penempatan semula UNHCR dicadangkan untuk mengutamakan pelarian Rohingya dalam aspirasi ke arah penyelesaian jangka panjang, dalam bentuk penempatan semula ke negara ketiga;
2. menubuhkan badan bebas yang terdiri daripada wakil-wakil selain daripada Kementerian Dalam Negeri bagi menyiasat kejadian tersebut;
3. tidak menghukum pelarian Rohingya yang ditangkap semula atau menimbulkan ketakutan atau kebencian dalam kalangan penduduk tempatan di Relau terhadap pelarian Rohingya yang masih bebas;
4. melibatkan kanak-kanak Rohingya dalam projek rintis alternatif kepada penahanan kerana kanak-kanak ini mempunyai hak untuk hidup dalam persekitaran yang lebih selamat dan kondusif; dan
5. menambah lebih ramai kakitangan di depot imigresen yang kekurangan kakitangan.

-TAMAT-

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

25 April 2022

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

KUALA LUMPUR (18 APRIL 2022) – Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) dan Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) pada hari ini melancarkan “Modul Hak Asasi Manusia untuk Polis Diraja Malaysia” di satu majlis pelancaran yang telah dirasmikan oleh Ketua Polis Negara Tan Sri Acryl Sani bin Haji Abdullah Sani di Maktab Polis Diraja Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.

Modul tersebut telah mula dibangunkan secara usahasama oleh SUHAKAM dan PDRM pada tahun 2018 sebagai salah satu inisiatif kedua-dua pihak bagi memperkukuh latihan pegawai dan anggota PDRM mengenai standard-standard hak asasi manusia domestik dan antarabangsa dalam tugas-tugas kepolisan. Khususnya, modul ini akan menjadi panduan kepada tenaga pengajar dalam menyampaikan kursus hak asasi manusia kepada semua pegawai dan anggota PDRM di samping menambah baik kursus hak asasi manusia yang sedia ada di institusi latihan PDRM dengan mengintegrasikan topik-topik dalam modul yang sesuai ke dalam kursus tersebut.

Melalui Modul ini, warga PDRM akan dilatih mengenai perkara-perkara kritikal bagi memastikan perlindungan hak asasi manusia sentiasa diberi perhatian semasa menjalankan tugas-tugas kepolisan antaranya:

1. Standard antarabangsa hak asasi manusia dan kepolisan;
2. Hak Asasi Manusia Pegawai dan Anggota Polis;
3. Aplikasi prinsip hak asasi manusia dalam penahanan, penangkapan, penggunaan kekerasan dan senjata api;
4. Larangan diskriminasi;
5. Keperluan khusus tahanan OKU, kanak-kanak, Wanita; dan
6. Larangan Penyeksaan dan Layanan serta Hukuman Kejam, Tidak Berperikemanusiaan serta Menjatuhkan Maruah.

Semasa Majlis Pelancaran tersebut, Ketua Polis Negara Tan Sri Acryl Sani bin Haji Abdullah Sani dalam ucapan perasmian menyatakan lebih banyak lagi program- program yang akan disertai oleh warga PDRM, yang bukan sahaja bertujuan menambahkan ilmu pengetahuan mengenai hak asasi manusia, tetapi juga sebagai tanda sokongan PDRM terhadap hak asasi manusia.

Pengerusi SUHAKAM, Tan Sri Othman Hashim dalam ucapan alu-aluan menzahirkan harapan agar modul tersebut bukan sahaja dapat memperkukuh pembelajaran hak asasi manusia dalam PDRM, tetapi juga, sekaligus dapat “memastikan hak asasi manusia dapat diterapkan dalam setiap tugas penguatkuasaan oleh pegawai dan anggota PDRM”.

Majlis pelancaran tersebut telah dihadiri oleh seramai 300 hadirin yang terdiri daripada barisan pengurusan tertinggi PDRM, barisan Pesuruhjaya SUHAKAM, Penyelaras Residen Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu di Malaysia, Singapura dan Brunei, wakil-wakil Kedutaan Luar di Malaysia serta pegawai dan anggota PDRM.

-TAMAT-

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (13 APRIL 2022)   –   The Children’s Commissioner (CC), Prof. Dato’ Noor Aziah Mohd Awal welcomes the recent announcement by the Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood, Community Well-Being Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah on the decision to issue temporary documentation to stateless children. The issuance of such documentation purportedly aims to enable stateless children in Sarawak to access public schools and medical services at the same fee rate as Malaysian citizens.

This move marks a major administrative shift in favor of stateless children. Since its inception, the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) has received numerous complaints related to statelessness, including delays in school admissions, denied admission, steep education and medical costs. These are contrary to Malaysia’s international obligation as a state party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), to ensure that all institutions make the best interest of children a primary consideration in all actions.

According to Section 28 of the CRC, Malaysia is obliged to ensure all children in Malaysia, including the undocumented children are able to access free education. The 8th Prime Minister of Malaysia Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin Bin Haji Md. Yasin has previously stated on the 15th of May 2021 that education should be made available to all children. The 9th Prime Minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri has also previously stated in his speech at the 2021 World Children’s Day on the 17th November 2021 that each child has the right to proper education and a conducive environment to grow up, achieve their full potential and chase their dreams.

The CC implores the Federal Government to cooperate with the Sarawak Government in their progressive efforts by ensuring that education and health authorities recognizes the temporary documentation. In addition to violations of their right to a nationality, stateless persons are often subject to many other human rights violations and thus, the CC appeals to the Federal Government to adopt the same measure to be implemented to all states.

-END-

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

13 April 2022

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (13 APRIL 2022)   –   Pesuruhjaya Kanak-Kanak (CC), Prof. Dato’ Noor Aziah Mohd Awal menyambut baik kenyataan terbaharu Menteri Kebajikan, Kesejahteraan Komuniti, Wanita, Keluarga dan Pembangunan Kanak-Kanak Sarawak, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah mengenai keputusan untuk mengeluarkan dokumen sementara kepada kanak-kanak tanpa warganegara. Pengeluaran dokumen sementara bertujuan untuk membolehkan kanak-kanak tanpa warganegara di Sarawak untuk mendapat akses ke sekolah-sekolah awam dan perkhidmatan perubatan pada kadar yuran yang sama seperti warganegara Malaysia.

Langkah ini merupakan perubahan baik pentadbiran utama yang memihak kepada kanak-kanak tanpa warganegara. Sejak penubuhannnya, Pejabat Pesuruhjaya Kanak-Kanak (OCC) telah menerima banyak aduan berkaitan isu tiada kewarganegaraan, termasuk kelewatan dalam pendaftaran persekolahan, penolakan kemasukan ke sekolah, kesukaran mendapatkan akses kepada pendidikan dan kos perubatan yang tinggi. Perkara ini bertentangan dengan kewajipan antarabangsa Malaysia selaku negara pihak kepada Konvensyen Mengenai Hak Kanak-Kanak (CRC), untuk memastikan semua institusi menjadikan kepentingan terbaik kanak-kanak sebagai pertimbangan utama dalam semua tindakan.

Berdasarkan Seksyen 28 CRC, Malaysia wajib memastikan agar semua kanak-kanak di Malaysia, termasuk kanak-kanak tanpa dokumen memperolehi akses kepada pendidikan percuma. Perdana Menteri Malaysia Ke-8, Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Muhyiddin Bin Haji Md. Yasin sebelum ini pada 15 Mei 2021 pernah menyatakan bahawa pendidikan harus diberikan kepada semua kanak-kanak. Perdana Menteri Malaysia Ke-9, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri juga pernah menyatakan dalam ucapan beliau pada Hari Kanak-Kanak 2021 pada 17 November 2021 bahawa setiap kanak-kanak mempunyai hak untuk mendapat pendidikan yang sewajarnya dan persekitaran yang kondusif untuk tumbesaran, mencapai potensi penuh dan mengejar impian mereka.

CC memohon Kerajaan Persekutuan untuk bekerjasama dengan Kerajaan Negeri Sarawak dalam usaha progresif mereka memastikan pihak-pihak berkepentingan dalam hal ehwal pendidikan dan kesihatan mengiktiraf dokumen sementara. Selain daripada pencabulan hak kepada kewarganegaraan, orang tanpa kewarganegaraan sering terdedah kepada pencabulan hak asasi manusia yang lain. Oleh itu, CC merayu kepada Kerajaan Persekutuan untuk menerima pakai langkah yang sama untuk dilaksanakan di semua negeri.

-TAMAT-

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

13 April 2022

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (28 MARCH 2022)   –   The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) and the National Human Rights Commission of Nepal (NHRCN) today has renewed our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Rights of Migrant Workers and People Residing in Both Countries for another two years.

The MoU which was first signed on 14 November 2019 in Nepal was later extended for another year on 17 December 2020 in response to restriction following the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s renewal of the MoU will help intensify existing partnership towards promoting and protecting the rights of the migrant workers and people residing in both countries through exchange of information, bilateral communication relating to the complaints, joint monitoring, research, and other activities.

Thus far through the MoU, SUHAKAM conducted several activities such as engagements with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) working on the issues of Nepalese migrant workers, engagement with the Embassy of Nepal in Kuala Lumpur and investigating cases of human rights violation faced by migrant workers including the death of Nepalese migrant workers.

The engagement with the CSOs and the Embassy of Nepal are among the positive outcomes of the MoU. Through the MoU, the embassy was able to share information and statistic with regards to the Nepalese migrant workers in Malaysia with SUHAKAM. In addition, through the MoU, NHRCN will also promote SUHAKAM as one of their partners in addressing human rights issues of migrant workers in Malaysia throughout their media such as radio announcements. This will allow NHRCN to disseminate information to a wider Nepalese crowd in rural regions.

Therefore, the renewal of the MoU and the updated Action Plan, and the relaxation made on the standard operation procedure (SOP) by the Government in the transition to the endemic phase will allow the parties to resume the planned activities which were deferred previously due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apart from the signing ceremony with SUHAKAM, the NHRCN will be on their official visit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 28 March 2022 to 1 April 2022 to conduct a prison visit and meet with community members from Nepal, CSOs and key agencies who work on issues relating to the rights of migrant workers in Malaysia.

-END-

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

28 March 2022

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

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (28 MAC 2022)  –  Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) dan Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Kebangsaan Nepal (NHRCN)  hari ini telah memperbaharui Perjanjian Persefahaman (MoU) tentang Hak Pekerja Migran dan Orang yang Menetap di kedua-dua Negara untuk tempoh dua tahun.

MoU yang pada pertama kali ditandatangani pada 14 November 2019 di Nepal kemudiannya disambung setahun lagi pada 17 Disember 2020 sebagai respons kepada sekatan berikutan pandemik COVID-19. Pembaharuan MoU ini akan membantu meningkatkan kerjasama bagi mempromosi dan melindungi hak pekerja migran dan mereka yang menetap di kedua-dua negara melalui pertukaran maklumat, komunikasi dua hala berkaitan aduan, pemantauan bersama, kajian dan sebarang aktiviti lain.

Setakat ini, melalui MoU ini SUHAKAM mengadakan beberapa aktiviti seperti libat urus dengan badan bukan kerajaan (BBK) dan organisasi masyarakat sivil (CSO) bagi menangani isu-isu melibatkan pekerja Nepal, libat urus dengan Kedutaan Nepal di Kuala Lumpur dan menyiasat kes aduan pelanggaran hak asasi manusia yang dihadapi oleh pekerja migran termasuk kematian pekerja Nepal.

Keterlibatan bersama CSO dan Kedutaan Nepal merupakan  antara hasil positif daripada MoU ini. Melalui MoU ini, kedutaan boleh berkongsi maklumat dan statistik berkenaan pekerja Nepal di Malaysia dengan SUHAKAM. Melalui MoU ini juga, NHRCN mempromosi SUHAKAM sebagai salah satu rakan kongsi dalam menangani isu hak asasi manusia pekerja migran di Malaysia melalui media mereka seperti pengumuman radio. Ini membolehkan NHRCN untuk menyebarkan maklumat kepada warga Nepal di Kawasan pedalaman.

Oleh itu, pembaharuan MoU dan Pelan Tindakan yang telah dikemas kini, serta kelonggaran Prosedur Operasi Standard (SOP) oleh Kerajaan yang sedang beralih ke fasa endemik akan membolehkan kedua-dua pihak untuk kembali meneruskan aktiviti yang dirancang yang telah tertangguh akibat daripada pandemik COVID-19.

Selain daripada penandatanganan MoU dengan SUHAKAM, NHRCN juga akan mengadakan lawatan rasmi di Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia dari 28 Mac 2022 hingga 1 April 2022 untuk melawat penjara dan berjumpa dengan komuniti Nepal, CSO dan agensi utama yang bekerja dalam isu berkenaan hak asasi pekerja migran di Malaysia.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

28 Mac 2022

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

PRESS STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR (22 MARCH 2022)   –   The Children’s Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), Prof Dato’ Noor Aziah Mohd Awal (CC) is appalled with a live news coverage by an online newspaper portal showing the face of the three children whose parents died due to electrocution accident in an apartment at Taman Tringkap Puncak, Cameron Highlands on 10 March 2022.

In the news coverage, the eldest of the three children was seen being interviewed by the media with various questions about the incident. Article 16 and 3 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) stated that children have the right to privacy, and in all actions concerning children, the best interests of the child shall be given primary consideration. Interviewing children who are still grieving their parents’ death forces them to relive the traumatizing experience, and this invades their privacy and violates the principle of the children’s best interest. One of the examples was the news coverage by the Borneo Post Online and their social media live video posted on 16 March 2022.

The coverage has obviously revealed the image of the children violates Section 15 (1) and Section 15 (2) of the Child Act 2001 [Act 611], which stated that mass media is restricted from reporting or publishing names, addresses, or educational institutions or include any particulars that lead to the identification of any child involved in a case which could put the child through psychological stress.

In view of the above, the CC urges for the following actions:

1. The online newspaper portal that covered the story to promptly take down or delete the video;
2. All media practitioners must uphold the principles of children’s best interests and respect children’s dignity and privacy particularly during live news. If interview is needed, there should be no harm to any child; avoid questions, attitudes or comments that are judgemental, insensitive to cultural values, that place a child in danger or expose a child to humiliation, or that reactivate the pain of traumatic events;
3. The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia (MCMM) should issue a directive/circular to all media practitioners on the ethical journalism when interviewing the children and the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (MWFCD) should take stern action to those who violates the law;
4. The Social Welfare Department (SWD) must ensure that the Protector/Assistant Protector who has been assigned to protect these children performs their responsibilities properly until the children are safe in their new foster home. Arrangements must be made by the protector to avoid any media interview if deemed necessary and to prevent the picture of a child from being recorded in any manner on tape or film or by any electronic medium and all media coverage involving children should in compliance with children’s rights;
5. The SWD must also ensure that these children are given regular counselling sessions to restore their self-confidence after the tragic incident; and
6. The public should play their responsibility in deleting the video and be mindful in sharing video involving children.

The CC urges all parties, particularly the media professionals to be more sensitive and responsible in reporting news on children. Each of us have the important responsibility to avoid causing further harm to the child’s well-being and development. The CC stands ready to have more engagement with not only journalists but also with media Chief Editors as well as owners of news portals or news agencies to address this issue. The CC reiterates that it is crucial for all media organizations to abide to the editorial policy and guidelines on reporting about children in order to protect the interest and welfare of the minors.

-END-

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

22 March 2022Media queries: Contact Mrs. Norashikin Hamzah at 03-2612 5687 / 019-621 5336 or shikin@suhakam.org.my

KENYATAAN MEDIA

KUALA LUMPUR (22 MAC 2022)   –   Pesuruhjaya Kanak-kanak, Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM), Prof Dato’ Noor Aziah Mohd Awal (CC) kurang senang melihat liputan berita secara langsung yang dibuat oleh satuportal akhbar dalam talian yang mendedahkan wajah tiga orang kanak-kanak yang kematian ibu bapa akibat renjatan elektrik di sebuah pangsapuri di Taman Tringkap Puncak, Cameron Highland pada 10 Mac 2022.

Dalam liputan berita tersebut, anak sulung daripada tiga beradik itu dilihat telah ditemubual oleh pihak media dengan pelbagai soalan berkaitan kejadian tersebut. Perkara 16 dan 3 Konvensyen Mengenai Hak Kanak-kanak (CRC) menyatakan bahawa kanak-kanak mempunyai hak kepada privasi dan apa-apa tindakan yang melibatkan kanak-kanak, kepentingan terbaik mereka perlu diutamakan. Menemubual kanak-kanak yang masih bersedih atas kematian ibu bapa memaksa mereka mengingati semula pengalaman tragik tersebut dan ia mencabuli privasi serta menyalahi prinsip kepentingan terbaik kanak-kanak. Salah satu contoh ialah liputan berita yang dibuat secara langsung oleh Borneo Post Online yang disiarkan melalui akaun sosial media mereka pada 16 Mac 2022.

Liputan yang jelas mendedahkan imej kanak-kanak tersebut menyalahi Seksyen 15 (1) dan Seksyen 15 (2) Akta Kanak-Kanak 2001 [Akta 611], yang menyatakan bahawa media adalah disekat daripada melapor atau menyiar nama, alamat atau institusi pendidikan, atau memasukkan apa-apa butir yang direncanakan untuk membolehkan dikenal pasti mana-mana kanak-kanak yang terlibat dalam sesuatu kes yang boleh merisikokan kanak-kanak kepada tekanan psikologi.

Justeru, CC menggesa tindakan segera diambil bagi perkara berikut:

1. Portal akhbar dalam talian yang terlibat dalam liputan cerita tersebut segera menurun atau memadamkan video itu;
2. Semua pengamal media hendaklah mematuhi prinsip kepentingan terbaik kanak-kanak dan menghormati maruah dan privasi kanak-kanak terutamanya ketika membuat liputan berita secara langsung. Jika temubual diperlukan, hendaklah dipastikan ia tidak memudaratkan mana-mana kanak-kanak; elakkan soalan, sikap atau komen yang menghakimi, tidak sensitif kepada nilai budaya, yang meletakkan kanak-kanak dalam bahaya atau mendedahkan kanak-kanak kepada penghinaan, atau yang membuat kanak-kanak mengingat semula kesedihan dan penderitaan akibat kejadian yang dialami;
3. Kementerian Komunikasi Dan Multimedia Malaysia (KKMM) hendaklah mengeluarkan satu arahan/pekeliling kepada semua syarikat pengamal media berhubung etika kewartawanan ketika menemubual kanak-kanak dan Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat (KPWKM) harus mengambil tindakan tegas terhadap pengamal media yang melanggar undang-undang yang berkaitan;
4. Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) perlu memastikan Pegawai Pelindung yang telah ditugaskan untuk melindungi kanak-kanak melaksanakan tanggungjawab mereka dengan sempurna sehingga kanak-kanak selamat berada di rumah penjaga mereka yang baharu. Jika perlu, Pegawai Pelindung hendaklah mengelak sebarang temubual media dan menghalang gambar kanak-kanak daripada dirakam dalam apa-apa cara sama ada melalui pita atau filem atau mana-mana media elektronik, dan semua liputan media yang melibatkan kanak-kanak mestilah mematuhi hak kanak-kanak;
5. JKM juga perlu memastikan kanak-kanak tersebut diberi sesi kaunseling secara berkala bagi memulihkan keyakinan diri selepas kejadian tragik itu; dan
6. Orang ramai perlu memadam video tersebut dan lebih berhati-hati dalam berkongsi video yang melibatkan kanak-kanak.

CC menggesa semua pihak, khususnya pengamal media untuk lebih peka dan bertanggungjawab dalam membuat laporan berita mengenai kanak-kanak, dan kita mempunyai peranan penting bagi mengelakkan kemudaratan yang lebih besar ke atas kesejahteraan dan pembangunan kanak-kanak. CC bersedia untuk mengadakan libat urus secara aktif bukan sahaja dengan pihak wartawan tetapi juga dengan Ketua Pengarang Media serta pemilik portal berita atau agensi berita bagi menangani isu ini. CC menekankan kepentingan bagi semua organisasi media untuk mematuhi dasar penyuntingan berita dan garis panduan ketika membuat laporan mengenai kanak-kanak bagi melindungi kepentingan dan kebajikan golongan bawah umur.

-TAMAT-

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

22 Mac 2022

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

SUHAKAM Roundtable Discussion (RTD) on the Right to Clean Air

Addressing Haze Pollution in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR (11 MARCH 2022) – The prolonged impacts of haze pollution experienced especially over the last two decades have become a serious concern in the face of this devastating phenomenon that has affected the well-being of Malaysians and the economy.

As such, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), in collaboration with CERAH Anti-Haze Action Coalition, organised a Roundtable Discussion (RTD) to gather the diverse perspectives of subject matter experts, legal advisers, and key stakeholders in order to develop concrete plans to address the issue of domestic and transboundary haze pollution.

The RTD focused on highlighting the root causes of haze pollution from agricultural, land use change, peatlands and meteorological concerns, on its impacts on economic, health and environmental aspects. These provided the foundations for an in-depth study into fundamental gaps in existing Malaysian and regional legal frameworks that result in a lack of access to justice and information, public participation, and governance. The RTD promoted the protection ofsociety’s human rights to a safe, clean, and healthy environment free of air pollution through a broad discourse on ideas for solutions.

SUHAKAM Commissioner Dato’ Mah Weng Kwai said:

“With the already present impacts of transboundary haze pollution affecting us all, made worse by the risks and dangers of climate change, the time to address the problem of haze is now, not tomorrow. It cannot be delayed any longer. Concerted efforts from all stakeholders are important especially from both Government and Non-Governmental parties. One cannot work without the other to solve this perennial problem.”

CERAH Anti-Haze Action spokesperson Azira Aziz said:

“Haze pollution is primarily a man-made problem resulting from haphazard land usage change and peatland drainage. Studies have indicated that the PM2.5 fine particles, largely found in haze, can lead to a large increase in death rates with long-term exposure, while the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes 7 million premature deaths worldwide every year. We have a right to clean, haze-free air; and we must act NOW to stop the negative impacts of the haze on not only our health and economy, but also on climate change.”

Global Environment Centre (GEC) Director Faizal Parish said:

“Most of the local and transboundary smoke haze in Malaysia comes from peatland fires. An increasing number of peat fires are taking place in Malaysia. We need to urgently revise our laws and regulations to force land managers to better protect peatlands, control drainage and prevent fires. We are way behind our neighbours like Indonesia that has had tough regulations for 5 years and is making good progress.”

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) senior researcher Shamila Ariffin said:

“The fundamental root causes of the transboundary haze crisis must be addressed, differentiating the natural causes such as the El Nino phenomenon from those that are driven by human activities. The human driven activities such as the development and expansion of monoculture plantations on peat lands should not be allowed.  By focusing on the enforcement of the correct preventive policy actions and regulations, including those on the protection of forests and land, and the promotion of sustainable finance, these fundamental root causes of the transboundary haze crisis can be resolved more effectively.”

Greenpeace Malaysia campaigner Heng Kiah Chun said:

“We must consider the harm that the increased air pollution will bring when we are still grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic devastation it has brought. Therefore, the government should enhance air quality governance, strengthen the recognition of environmental rights – that having a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is a human right – as has recently been done by the United Nations Human Rights Council.”

The RTD is the outcome of a pioneering complaint filed at the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) on December 7, 2021, by a broad alliance of civil-society organisations which included Greenpeace Malaysia and CERAH, as a proactive countermeasure to address the chronic and persistent haze pollution.

The RTD focuses on providing findings and recommendations on the following:

● Strengthening the recognition of environmental rights in Malaysia

● Strengthening Malaysia’s air quality governance

● Strengthening governance of transboundary haze pollution

● Strengthening Business and Human Rights in Malaysia

It is hoped that the outcome of the RTD will fill in the gaps and challenges in realizing the constitutional rights of a person to have a clean and safe environment.

-END-

This press release was prepared and endorsed by SUHAKAM and members of the Anti-Haze Action coalition which includes:

CERAH – Anti Haze Action

Greenpeace Malaysia

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM)

Global Environment Centre (GEC)

Klima Action Malaysia (KAMY)

Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (PEKA Malaysia)

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)

Pertubuhan Alam Sekitar Sejahtera Malaysia (GRASS Malaysia)

Environmental Protection Society Malaysia (EPSM)

Jaringan Ekologi Dan Iklim (JEDI)

Persatuan Pengundi Muda (Undi 18 – MyHutan)

Stop Open Burning in Johan Setia

Media contact:

1. Norashikin Hamzah, SUHAKAM | shikin@suhakam.org.my | 03-2612 5687/ 019-621 5336
2. Yvonne Nathan, Greenpeace Malaysia | yvonne.nathan@greenpeace.org  | 017-6628 306

Perbincangan Meja Bulat SUHAKAM mengenai Hak Kepada Udara yang Bersih

Menangani Pencemaran Jerebu di Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR (11 MAC 2022) – Kesan pencemaran jerebu berpanjangan yang dialami sejak dua dekad lalu telah mencetuskan kebimbangan yang serius berhadapan dengan fenomena buruk yang memberi kesan kepada kesejahteraan rakyat dan ekonomi Malaysia.

Oleh itu, Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM), dengan kerjasama Gabungan Bertindak Anti Jerebu (CERAH), menganjurkan Perbincangan Meja Bulat (RTD) untuk mengumpulkan pelbagai perspektif daripada pakar, pengamal undang-undang dan pihak berkepentingan bagi membangunkan perancangan yang konkrit untuk menangani isu pencemaran jerebu domestik dan rentas sempadan.

Perbincangan ini memberi tumpuan kepada punca pencemaran jerebu akibat daripada pertanian, pengubahan penggunaan tanah, tanah gambut dan kebimbangan meteorologi serta kesannya terhadap aspek ekonomi, kesihatan dan alam sekitar. Semua perkara ini menjadi asas kepada kajian mendalam tentang jurang sedia yang ada dalam rangka kerja Malaysia dan serantau yang mengakibatkan kekurangan akses kepada keadilan dan maklumat, penyertaan awam dan tadbir urus. Perbincangan ini juga mempromosi perlindungan hak asasi manusia terhadap persekitaran yang selamat, bersih, sihat dan bebas pencemaran udara melalui perbincangan yang meluas tentang idea penyelesaian.

Dato’ Mah Weng Kwai, Pesuruhjaya SUHAKAM berkata:

“Dengan kesan jerebu rentas sempadan yang sedia ada, ditambah pula risiko dan bahaya perubahan iklim, sekarang adalah masa untuk menangani isu jerebu dan ia tidak boleh dilengahkan lagi. Usaha bersepadu daripada semua pihak berkepentingan adalah mustahak terutamanya antara Kerajaan dan bukan Kerajaan. Semua harus bekerjasama menyelesaikan masalah ini.”

Azira Aziz, Jurucakap Gabungan Berindak Anti Jerebu CERAH berkata:

“Pencemaran jerebu yang berpunca daripada perbuatan manusia adalah akibat daripada pengubahan penggunaan tanah dan saliran tanah gambut secara sembarangan. Kajian telah menunjukkan bahawa zarah halus PM2.5 yang sebahagian besarnya ditemui dalam jerebu, boleh meningkatkan kadar kematian dengan pendedahan dalam jangka masa yang panjang. Pertubuhan Kesihatan Sedunia (WHO) menganggarkan bahawa pencemaran udara boleh menyebabkan 7 juta kematian pramatang di seluruh dunia pada setiap tahun. Kita mempunyai hak kepada udara yang bersih dan bebas jerebu; kita perlu bertindak SEKARANG untuk menghentikan kesan negatif jerebu, bukan hanya untuk kesihatan dan ekonomi, tetapi juga terhadap perubahan iklim.”

Faizal Parish, Pengarah Global Environment Centre (GEC) berkata:

“Kebanyakan kes jerebu dalam negara dan rentas sempadan berpunca daripada kebakaran tanah gambut. Pembakaran tanah gambut semakin meningkat di Malaysia. Undang-undang dan peraturan sedia ada harus segera dikaji semula agar pihak pengurusan tanah melindungi tanah gambut dengan lebih baik, mengawal sistem saliran dan mengambil langkah untuk mencegah kebakaran. Kita telah jauh ketinggalan berbanding negara jiran seperti Indonesia yang mempunyai peraturan ketat sejak 5 tahun lalu dan semakin menunjukkan kemajuan.”

Shamila Ariffin, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) berkata:

“Punca krisis jerebu rentas sempadan harus ditangani dengan membezakan punca semula jadi seperti fenomena El Nino yang diakibatkan oleh aktiviti manusia itu sendiri. Aktiviti pembangunan dan perluasan ladang monokultur tanah gambut tidak seharusnya dibenarkan. Dengan memberi tumpuan kepada penguatkuasaan dan peraturan dasar pencegahan yang betul, termasuk yang berkaitan dengan perlindungan hutan dan tanah serta pengurusan kewangan yang mampan, punca utama krisis ini pasti dapat diselesaikan dengan lebih berkesan.”

Heng Kiah Chun, Greenpeace Malaysia berkata:

“Kita harus memikirkan tentang bahaya pencemaran udara ketika kita masih bergelut dengan pandemik Covid-19 serta kemerosotan ekonomi yang diakibatkan olehnya. Oleh itu, kerajaan harus meningkatkan tadbir urus berkenaan kualiti udara, mengukuhkan pengiktirafan hak alam sekitar bahawa alam sekitar yang bersih, sihat dan mampan adalah hak asasi manusia seperti ditekankan oleh Majlis Hak Asasi Manusia Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu baru-baru ini.”

Perbincangan ini adalah hasil daripada aduan yang difailkan ke Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) pada 7 Disember 2021, oleh pelbagai pertubuhan masyarakat sivil termasuk Greenpeace Malaysia dan CERAH, sebagai satu langkah proaktif untuk menangani masalah pencemaran jerebu yang kronik dan tiada penghujungnya.

Perbincangan ini memberi tumpuan kepada hasil dapatan dan cadangan seperti berikut:

● Memperkukuh pengiktirafan hak alam sekitar di Malaysia

● Memperkukuh tadbir urus kualiti udara Malaysia

● Memperkukuh tadbir urus pencemaran jerebu rentas sempadan

● Memperkukuh Hak Asasi Manusia dan Perniagaan di Malaysia

Adalah diharapkan hasil perbincangan ini akan dapat mengatasi kekurangan dan cabaran dalam merealisasikan hak perlembagaan seseorang untuk memiliki persekitaran yang bersih dan selamat.

-TAMAT-

Siaran akhbar ini disediakan dan disahkan oleh SUHAKAM dan ahli-ahli Gabungan Bertindak Anti Jerebu yang terdiri daripada:

CERAH – Anti Haze Action

Greenpeace Malaysia

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM)

Global Environment Centre (GEC)

Klima Action Malaysia (KAMY)

Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (PEKA Malaysia)

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)

Pertubuhan Alam Sekitar Sejahtera Malaysia (GRASS Malaysia)

Environmental Protection Society Malaysia (EPSM)

Jaringan Ekologi Dan Iklim (JEDI)

Persatuan Pengundi Muda (Undi 18 – MyHutan)

Stop Open Burning in Johan Setia

Kontak media:

1. Norashikin Hamzah, SUHAKAM | shikin@suhakam.org.my | 03-2612 5687/ 019-621 5336
2. Yvonne Nathan, Greenpeace Malaysia | yvonne.nathan@greenpeace.org  | 017-6628 306