MALAYSIA COMMEMORATES HUMAN RIGHTS DAY 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 December 2025 – The Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), and the United Nations in Malaysia jointly commemorated Human Rights Day 2025 with a Forum titled “Protecting Our Future Generations: Human Rights for All.”

The programme was officiated by Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform). In her remarks, YB Dato’ Sri Azalina emphasised that protecting the rights and dignity of every child is not an option, it is the foundation of Malaysia’s moral strength and our shared responsibility to future generations. As harms evolve, she stressed, our laws and institutions must evolve even faster. Human rights can only flourish when systems are credible, transparent, and accountable. No child should suffer in silence, whether online or offline, and policies affecting children must never be made without hearing their voices. YB Dato’ Sri Azalina affirmed the Government’s commitment to building a Malaysia where every child is safe, valued, and empowered to dream boldly and live fully.

In his welcoming address, SUHAKAM Chairman, Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus, emphasised: “As we reflect on today’s theme, it is important to recognise that protecting future generations requires sustained commitment in policy development, institutional accountability, and public awareness. He underscored that human rights are a shared responsibility involving government agencies, civil society organisations, educators, parents, and the wider community.”

In his Opening Address, Mr. Robert Gass, UN Resident Coordinator a.i., emphasized: “Human rights are lived or denied in the everyday experiences of every child, in the safety of a home, the fairness of a classroom, the justice of a courtroom, and the dignity of a clinic. As Malaysia strengthens its institutions and renews its commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), we are reminded that children are not passive beneficiaries but rights-holders whose futures depend on the choices we make today. Our task is simple but profound: to close the gap between the rights we proclaim and the realities children experience.”

Human Rights Day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year’s theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” holds particular significance for Malaysia as the nation marks 30 years since acceding to the CRC and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and 15 years since ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). These international commitments have shaped key national reforms, and as Malaysia prepares for its review with the Committee on the Rights of the Child in 2026, the Forum reaffirmed the importance of sustaining positive momentum through continued dialogue, capacity-building, and strong inter-institutional cooperation.

The Forum, moderated by Ms. Sitti Najihah Md Rusli from UNICEF Malaysia, featured an in-depth panel discussion titled “Children’s Rights in Malaysia: From Commitments to Monitoring and Accountability.” The discussion brought together Dr. Farah Nini Dusuki, Chief Children’s Commissioner of SUHAKAM; Mr. Asmar Asmadi Bin Abdullah Sani, Undersecretary of the Policy and Strategic Planning Division of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development; YA Datin Paduka Evrol Mariette Peters, Judge of the Court of Appeal representing the Judiciary, YB Syereleena Abdul Rashid, Member of Parliament for Bukit Bendera and Member of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Women, Children and Community Development; Mr. Thiyagu Ganesan, Deputy Director General (Law Reform) of BHEUU and Ms. Jessie Lee Jie Xing, youth representative and Member of the Children’s Consultative Council (2025–2027), SUHAKAM.

The Forum also witnessed the launching ceremony of SUHAKAM “Belia Peduli Hak” module by the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform). This module is a practical resource designed to enhance awareness, empowerment, and meaningful participation among young people across the country.

In her closing remarks, Yang Berbahagia Datin Paduka Anizan Siti Hajjar Adnin, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored that protecting children demands a whole-of-society approach, strengthened through broader partnerships with civil society to enhance transparency and accountability. Yang Berbahagia Datin Paduka Anizan Siti Hajjar Adnin further underlined that this commitment reflects the Malaysia Madani vision, which upholds trust, cooperation and the creation of an inclusive and compassionate society for all Malaysians.

The Forum was attended by more than 450 participants from the Government agencies, the diplomatic corps, youth, academia, the private sector, civil society organisations and the media.

Jointly Prepared by:

THE LEGAL AFFAIRS DIVISION, PRIME MINISTER’S DEPARTMENT (BHEUU)
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (MOFA)
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA (SUHAKAM)
UNITED NATIONS IN MALAYSIA (UNCT)

11 DECEMBER 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (10 DECEMBER 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) views with grave concern the recent enforcement raid at a wellness centre involving several individuals, including public officers. SUHAKAM acknowledges the role of enforcement agencies in upholding the law and the responsibility of the Public Service Department (PSD) to address allegations of misconduct within the civil service. However, these actions must be carried out in a manner that is consistent with constitutional and legal safeguards, due process, and respect for human dignity.

SUHAKAM notes reports that the raid was conducted and arrests hastily effected without the presence or identification of victims. Enforcement actions, especially involving personal conduct and arrest, must be based on verified information and credible evidence. In the instant case, the absence of identifiable victims and evidence, as clarified by the Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Officer (CPO), raises concerns about the basis of the mass arrests and any ensuing disciplinary measures. SUHAKAM is also concerned by the fact that the individuals arrested were not promptly released despite the magistrate’s refusal to grant the police’s remand application. Any delay in release, let alone a prolonged delay, as is the case here, after the court’s refusal of the remand application raises serious questions about compliance with judicial directions and respect for personal liberty and may undermine due process and constitutional protections.

Credit must be given to the Kuala Lumpur CPO, for being candid in clarifying that ‘All those arrested were investigated under Sections 377/372 of the Penal Code, but there was no evidence to help police pursue the case in that direction.’ (Sunday Malay Mail Nov. 30.) However, this clarification begs the question: If there was no evidence, then, why the mass arrests in the first place? Aren’t the hasty mass arrests constituted violations of Article 5 of the Federal Constitution that no person shall be deprived of his life or liberty saved in accordance with the law?

Where public officers are concerned, SUHAKAM stresses the need to strictly follow the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993, which outline fair, transparent and impartial procedures for investigations, show-cause processes and disciplinary inquiries. Officers must be clearly informed of the allegations and given a meaningful opportunity to respond before any action is taken. These requirements are reinforced by Article 135(2) of the Federal Constitution, which prohibits dismissing or demoting an officer without a reasonable opportunity to be heard. These safeguards ensure disciplinary decisions are made fairly, based on facts and law, and not on premature assumptions or prejudices.

SUHAKAM also expresses concern regarding reports of the exposure of personal identities of individuals involved. The right to privacy and dignity must be protected throughout any investigation. Public disclosure prior to the establishment of facts may cause undue harm and is inconsistent with human dignity and human rights standards, including the principles reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In light of these concerns, SUHAKAM calls on the relevant authorities to ensure that:

i.          All investigations are conducted transparently, objectively, and based on verified evidence;

ii.         The rights of individuals involved, including public officers, are fully upheld in accordance with the 1993 Regulations and constitutional guarantees;

iii.        Personal identities are protected until due process has been completed and findings are established; and

iv.        Any disciplinary processes are not initiated or concluded prematurely before all facts are properly assessed.

SUHAKAM reiterates that safeguarding due process is essential not only to protect individual rights but also to maintain public confidence in enforcement and disciplinary institutions. Fair and transparent investigations and adherence to due process strengthen the rule of law and uphold the integrity of Malaysia’s public service.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 10 December 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (25 NOVEMBER 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses its deep concern over the protracted case of M. Indira Gandhi and her missing daughter, Prasana Diksa. SUHAKAM urges the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to immediately and fully comply with the recent court order and to intensify all efforts to locate the child without delay.

SUHAKAM reiterates that court orders are binding and must be executed without exception. The High Court has ordered the IGP to locate Prasana Diksa and return her to her mother. Compliance with this order is not discretionary, it is a clear legal duty and any failure or delay in executing a judicial directive is a serious breach that undermines the rule of law, weakens the administration of justice and erodes public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

As the head of the national police force, the IGP bears the ultimate responsibility to ensure that the police carry out the court’s mandate. PDRM possesses the authority, resources and investigative capacity to trace individuals and enforce recovery orders. SUHAKAM calls on the IGP to treat this case with the highest level of urgency, accountability and professionalism, and to ensure that all necessary resources are deployed toward locating the child and securing her safe return.

The rights and best interests of the child must be the central consideration in all actions taken. Reuniting Prasana with her mother is not only a legal obligation but also essential to the child’s emotional, psychological and developmental well-being. SUHAKAM stresses that every reasonable measure must be taken to secure her safety and dignity throughout the process.

SUHAKAM also urges PDRM and the relevant authorities to provide regular, transparent updates to Indira Gandhi, her legal team and the public regarding the status of the search. Silence or inadequate communication only deepens distress and undermines trust. Should there be any operational challenges or legal complexities in enforcing the court order, SUHAKAM calls for these to be clearly explained and for full collaboration with all relevant government agencies to resolve them.

SUHAKAM acknowledges the immense suffering endured by Indira Gandhi over the past 16 years and we are of the view that the recent march to Bukit Aman reflects not only a mother’s enduring pain, but also her unwavering perseverance and pursuit of justice. SUHAKAM expresses its utter disappointment over the failure of the IGP to turn up to receive the symbolic teddy bear from Madam Indira Gandhi, mother of the abducted child, Prasana. Such a conduct gives the negative impression that there was a lack of commitment on the part of the IGP to enforce the order of court and to do what is both morally and legally right to do. As guardian of the public conscience, the IGP is duty-bound to uphold the Rule of Law. Law enforcement institutions must approach this case with the humanity it demands while rigorously fulfilling their legal duties. SUHAKAM therefore calls upon the IGP to honour the court’s directive without delay and to demonstrate an unequivocal commitment to upholding the law. Enforcing judicial decisions is not merely procedural, it is a core human rights obligation and an essential pillar of democratic governance.

SUHAKAM further urges continued support from the public, civil society and all stakeholders. Effective cooperation between the judiciary, law enforcement and social service agencies is critical to ensuring that cases involving missing children are resolved promptly, transparently and in accordance with the rule of law.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 25 November 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (20 NOVEMBER 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) and the Malaysian Representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and current AICHR Chair, H. E. Edmund Bon Tai Soon, jointly welcome the adoption of two historic instruments at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, namely the ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment and ASEAN Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and the Right to Peace Towards Realising Inclusive and Sustainable Development.

These declarations reflect milestone commitments by ASEAN Member States to address pressing regional challenges, from environmental degradation and climate change to inequality and unsustainable development through a human rights-based lens and approach.

We emphasise the critical importance of both substantive and procedural elements of the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment: safe climate, clean air, healthy ecosystems and biodiversity, safe and sufficient water, healthy and sustainable food, non-toxic environment, meaningful access to information, effective public participation, and access to remedies and justice. They are essential pillars towards realising the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. Further, the human right to development demands that all facets of the right – economic, social, cultural and political – are protected and enhanced together in an integrated fashion. We further underscore the uniqueness of the Declarations which call for greater corporate responsibility and accountability, ensuring that non-State actors and businesses prevent, cease, reduce, mitigate, and address negative impacts and harm to the environment.

We stress that environmental degradation threatens not only ecosystems but also human health, peoples’ welfare and security, and social stability. For this reason, States must strengthen their legal and institutional frameworks to fully operationalise the rights in the Declarations while aligning domestic policies with the regional commitments enshrined in the Declarations.

SUHAKAM has consistently advocated for including the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment under Article 5(1) of the Federal Constitution. SUHAKAM further recommends that the upcoming National Climate Change Bill (RUUPIN) fully incorporates the key elements and principles of the Declarations.

To move these commitments forward, SUHAKAM and AICHR Malaysia strongly encourage all ASEAN Member States to:

1. Institutionalise the key elements and principles of the Declarations into national legal frameworks, including through constitutional recognition and law reform.
2. Ensure that future climate and environmental legislation, such as the RUUPIN, adopt a rights-based approach grounded in access to remedies and justice, transparency, participation, and accountability.
3. Strengthen institutional capacity and mechanisms to guarantee meaningful access to information, effective public participation, and access to remedies and justice particularly in environmental and development matters emphasising greater protection for groups in vulnerable and marginalised situations such as Indigenous Peoples and environmental human rights defenders.
4. Establish clear obligations for State and non-State actors, including businesses, to prevent, cease, reduce, mitigate, and address negative impacts and harm to the environment.
5. Develop regional cross-sectoral and cross pillar cooperation to operationalise the Declarations in a participatory and inclusive manner, involving government agencies in charge of the environment, climate change and development matters, civil society, environmental human rights defenders, and affected local communities.
6. Monitor and report progress on the realisation of the Declarations transparently and regularly, using publicly accessible mechanisms.
7. Demonstrate strong political commitment at the highest levels to uphold the Declarations as instruments that shape policy, planning, and governance across ASEAN.

The adoption of these two ASEAN Declarations is a momentous achievement that offers genuine hope for a future in which human rights, environmental sustainability, development, and peace are mutually reinforcing.

As the incoming Chair of the South East Asia National Human Rights Institutions Forum (SEANF), SUHAKAM reaffirms its strong commitment to supporting regional human rights cooperation. In this capacity, both SUHAKAM and SEANF will work closely in support of AICHR’s work, promoting coordinated advocacy, capacity-building, and implementation efforts among SEANF member institutions to advance the principles of the two Declarations across Southeast Asia.

SUHAKAM and AICHR Malaysia stand ready to work in close partnership with governments, civil society, regional bodies, and communities to ensure that these Declarations are not merely symbolic, but are translated into meaningful, binding, bold and enforceable action. We urge all ASEAN Member States to honour their commitments and turn them into lived realities for the ASEAN peoples.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR Malaysia)
Date: 20 November 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (8 NOVEMBER 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) welcomes the recent decisions of the High Court of Kuala Lumpur, delivered by Judge of the High Court Kuala Lumpur, YA Dato’ Su Tiang Joo, holding the Government and police accountable in the enforced disappearance cases of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat. The rulings mark a significant milestone in recognising state responsibility for such serious human rights violations, thereby affirming key principles of justice, accountability and the rule of law.

SUHAKAM notes with appreciation that in Pastor Koh’s case, the Court ordered the government to pay RM10,000 per day from 13 February 2017 until he is found, in addition to general and aggravated damages. In the case of Amri Che Mat, the Court similarly found state liability, ordered compensation, and directed the reopening of investigations. These decisions are consistent with SUHAKAM’s 2019 Public Inquiry findings, which concluded that both men were victims of enforced disappearances.

SUHAKAM is of the view that the Court’s directive to reopen investigations, reassign implicated officers from their investigative duties, and provide regular updates to the Attorney-General’s Chambers is a positive and essential move. We reiterate that effective remedial action requires thorough, independent, transparent and timely investigations. These must lead not only to accountability but also to the prevention of recurrence.

While we recognise that no financial award can restore the loss suffered by the families of Pastor Koh and Amri Che Mat, these rulings provide important acknowledgment of the harm endured and send a strong signal that enforced disappearance will not go unchallenged. SUHAKAM wishes to emphasise the urgent need for structural reform, including the establishment of a national preventive mechanism dedicated to addressing enforced disappearances, as previously recommended.

Whilst we welcome the High Court judgment, SUHAKAM urges that the disappearances of Joshua Hilmy and Ruth Sitepu that took place since they were last seen on 30 November 2016 must not be forgotten. Occurring around the same period as the enforced disappearances of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat, their cases were also the subject of a Public Inquiry conducted by SUHAKAM which revealed serious failures by the authorities to act with the urgency, diligence, and professionalism. SUHAKAM further recalls the findings of this 2022 Public Inquiry chaired by Dato’ Seri Hishamudin Yunus, which concluded that the couple were abducted by persons unknown and that the police’s serious investigative failures amounted to passive state acquiescence. Despite SUHAKAM’s recommendations urging the police to intensify their investigative efforts, the Commission has yet to be informed of any substantive progress.

The tragic cases of Joshua Hilmy and Ruth Sitepu stand as a painful reminder of the ongoing need for accountability and institutional reform. Although their families did not bring their cases to court, justice and truth for them remain no less important. SUHAKAM calls upon the authorities to take immediate and concrete steps to reinvigorate investigations into their disappearances and to provide updates to the Commission and the families concerned.

SUHAKAM remains committed to monitoring the implementation of the High Court’s judgments, engaging with relevant authorities, supporting the affected families, and advocating for systemic reforms to safeguard against future violations. We trust that the Government will seize this opportunity to reinforce Malaysia’s commitment to human rights by implementing the Court’s directives effectively, ensuring full accountability, and strengthening safeguards against future abuses. SUHAKAM also calls on all stakeholders to act swiftly and decisively in advancing truth, justice and institutional reform.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 8 November 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (17 OCTOBER 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) on 16 October 2025 co-hosted a crucial forum titled “Strengthening Regional Accountability: ASEAN’s Failure on Women, Youth, Peace and Security in Myanmar” at the IDEAS Kuala Lumpur Hotel. Jointly organised with Progressive Voice and the Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma), the forum served as an important platform to address the escalating human rights and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, and to underscore the urgent need for stronger regional accountability mechanisms.

SUHAKAM stands in firm solidarity with the people of Myanmar, particularly women and youth who continue to face compounded risks and systematic violence since the illegal attempted coup in 2021. The forum amplified the voices of human rights defenders who shared first-hand testimonies of the dire situation on the ground, including the widespread use of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and other grave human rights violations.

SUHAKAM Chairman, YBhg. Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus, officiated the forum and drew attention to the severe scale of the humanitarian and human rights catastrophe in Myanmar. Current data indicates that the crisis has displaced more than 3.5 million people internally and resulted in over 6,000 civilian deaths since 2021. The discussions underscored the urgent need to end decades-long impunity for atrocities committed by the military, which disproportionately target women, girls, and youth from ethnic and religious minorities through systematic violence, including CRSV.

The forum also featured a panel on Women and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and youth representatives who shared their lived experiences of the ongoing crisis and critically assessed the implementation of the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace and Security (RPA WPS). The discussions further drew attention to CEDAW and Beijing+30 obligations on gender-based violence, which all neighbouring countries in ASEAN are a party to. Despite the framework’s pledge to uphold the core pillars of protection, participation, prevention, and relief and recovery, the situation in Myanmar starkly reveals ASEAN’s failure to deliver on these commitments.

SUHAKAM expressed deep concern over ASEAN’s continued inaction and silence regarding the specific needs and voices of Myanmar’s women, girls, and youth. Their exclusion from consultations and decision-making processes further entrenches marginalisation and undermines the practical relevance of the RPA WPS in addressing one of the region’s most urgent gender and human rights crises. The women of Myanmar — who have been at the forefront of the people’s revolution and resistance — must have their leadership and experiences recognised and centred in all peace and security efforts, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325).

Following the testimonies and panel discussions, SUHAKAM expressed its support for the delegation’s call for stronger Malaysian support to Myanmar’s women and youth, particularly in their humanitarian missions and steadfast efforts to end military tyranny, impunity, and gender-based violence.

SUHAKAM urges the Malaysian Government, Parliamentarians, diplomatic missions, media, and all stakeholders to take concrete action, including:

1. Utilising all diplomatic channels to press ASEAN and Malaysia, as the Chair of ASEAN for 2025, to immediately prioritise the restoration of peace and stability in Myanmar and to ensure unhindered humanitarian access to affected communities before any election takes place;
2. Advocating for the inclusion of Myanmar women and youth voices in all regional and international mechanisms addressing the Myanmar crisis; and
3. Strengthening efforts to advance justice and accountability for atrocity crimes committed by the Myanmar military, including CRSV.

SUHAKAM reaffirms its commitment to leveraging its platform as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) to advocate for human rights, justice, and accountability for the people of Myanmar at both regional and international levels.

SUHAKAM also calls for stronger regional accountability and courageous leadership within ASEAN to act now. ASEAN must not fail the ASEAN community, especially the women and youth of Myanmar.

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Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 17 October 2025