MS 18_ICERD

Media Statement No. 18-2025_SUHAKAM Calls for Stronger Commitment To Eliminate Racial Discrimination In Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR (23 MARCH 2025) – In conjunction with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination observed on 21 March each year, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) stresses the importance of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) in advancing Malaysia’s development towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of ICERD, SUHAKAM reiterates its stance that racial discrimination, racism, and xenophobia must be addressed comprehensively through legal, policy, and societal efforts. Article 1 of ICERD defines racial discrimination as any distinction, exclusion, restriction, or preference based on race, colour, descent or national or ethnic origin, which undermines the recognition and enjoyment of human rights on an equal footing. This principle of equality is also enshrined in Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution, which states that all persons are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection of the law.

Despite Malaysia’s progress in fostering unity and peace, racial discrimination and xenophobic sentiments persist, particularly in public discourse and social policies. It is to be recalled that the COVID-19 pandemic had exacerbated discrimination against non-citizens, refugees, and marginalized communities, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms. Racism and xenophobia not only violate fundamental human rights but also impede Malaysia’s socio-economic growth by fostering divisions and eroding social cohesion.

SUHAKAM acknowledges the Government’s initiatives to promote national unity, including the National Unity Policy and Action Plan 2021-2030. However, beyond policy development, effective implementation and enforcement mechanisms must be strengthened to ensure tangible progress. This includes enacting comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, strengthening human rights education, and promoting greater public awareness to combat racial stereotypes and prejudices.

Malaysia’s commitment to upholding human rights and achieving sustainable development can be reinforced by aligning its policies with the core principles of ICERD. By ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality, Malaysia can foster a more resilient, harmonious, and prosperous society.

SUHAKAM fervently advocates for Malaysia to manifest its sincere commitment to the elimination of racial discrimination by imminently acceding to ICERD, one of the core human rights treaties. Be it known that as of today, 182 countries are already parties to this important Convention, including ASEAN member states (except Myanmar, Brunei and Malaysia). Sadly, Malaysia is yet to be a party.

SUHAKAM urges all Malaysians to reject racism and discrimination in all forms and to embrace the values of equality, diversity, and mutual respect. It is imperative that we move beyond the surface of unity and work towards dismantling systemic racial discrimination, in line with international human rights standards.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

Date: 23 MARCH 2025

Media Statement No. 18-2025_SUHAKAM Calls for Stronger Commitment To Eliminate Racial Discrimination In MalaysiaMuat Turun
MS 17_2025

Media Statement No. 17-2025_SUHAKAM Calls for Enhanced Safety And Accessibility For Persons With Disabilities In Public Transport

KUALA LUMPUR (10 MARCH 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses its regret over the tragic incident involving a blind man who was killed by a moving train after falling onto the tracks at the Titiwangsa LRT station. As a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) since 2010, Malaysia has an obligation to ensure that public transport is both accessible and safe for persons with disabilities (PWDs). While Prasarana has made commendable efforts in improving accessibility, equal emphasis on safety measures is crucial to protecting commuters with disabilities.

In this regard, SUHAKAM calls for strategic advocacy to uphold accessibility for PWDs as a fundamental right, as outlined in Section 27 of the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 [Act 685] and Article 9 of the CRPD. According to Section 27 of Act 685, it is reasonable to expect that Prasarana ensures public transport is not only accessible and usable for PWDs but also equipped with preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

SUHAKAM marks one year since the launch of its public transport awareness program. On February 23, 2024, in collaboration with Persatuan Orang-orang Cacat Penglihatan Islam Malaysia (PERTIS) and observers from Majlis Kebangsaan Bagi Orang Kurang Upaya (MKBOKU) and the National Council for the Blind, Malaysia, SUHAKAM organized “A Day as a VIP (Visually Impaired Persons): From Act to Implementation.” During the program, participants, blindfolded, traveled via Monorail from Medan Tuanku to Titiwangsa MRT to experience the challenges faced by PWDs. SUHAKAM identified Titiwangsa Station as a key transit hub requiring urgent security and accessibility improvements.

SUHAKAM acknowledges Prasarana’s plan to install Platform Automatic Doors at all LRT stations. We urge for the swift implementation of this initiative, as it will significantly enhance commuter safety by providing a barrier between the station platform and the tracks, thereby preventing unauthorized access and minimizing service disruptions.

While safety upgrades may incur costs, they are essential long-term investments in preventing incidents and ensuring safer commutes. SUHAKAM urges Prasarana to set clear timelines and allocate adequate resources to remove barriers for PWDs. We welcome the Government’s review of train station safety but emphasize the need for a comprehensive, long-term plan to ensure lasting accessibility and security improvements.

In line with this, SUHAKAM is prepared to collaborate with MKBOKU, Prasarana, and NGOs related to PWDs to enhance conditions within the public transportation system. We look forward to constructive engagements with all stakeholders to ensure that public transport is both accessible and safe for everyone.

SUHAKAM also calls on the Government to amend Act 685 to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and protections for PWDs. Achieving meaningful change requires collective action. While authorities must ensure safe transport, the public can also contribute by staying vigilant and empathetic.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

Date: 10 March 2025

Media Statement No. 17-2025_SUHAKAM Calls for Enhanced Safety And Accessibility For Persons With Disabilities In Public TransportMuat Turun
MS 16_2025

Media Statement No. 16-2025_SUHAKAM Urges the Government to Drop Charges Against Human Rights Activists

KUALA LUMPUR (8 March 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) urges the government to drop the charges against two human rights activists from Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), who are being prosecuted for alleged trespassing at the Ministry of Home Affairs office in Putrajaya. Criminalizing human rights defenders for their advocacy sets a concerning precedent and undermines fundamental freedoms. These activists were merely attempting to submit a memorandum regarding the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 [Act 747] (SOSMA) alongside detainees’ family members. Their actions were peaceful, lawful and aligned with human rights advocacy.

It is crucial to emphasize that these activists posed no threat to the safety or security of the Ministry’s personnel or premises. Rather than facilitating the peaceful submission of the memorandum, the Ministry reportedly kept the activists waiting for more than two hours without any formal response. Given these circumstances, the subsequent charges against them appear to be an unnecessary escalation of what is essentially a procedural matter.

SUHAKAM firmly upholds the principles of freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Federal Constitution. This stance is also in line with the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding amendments to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 [Act 736], aimed at better facilitating citizens in exercising their right to assemble peacefully, alongside the subsequent imposed moratorium. The government’s actions must reflect its commitment to reform and ensure that the rights of citizens are genuinely protected. The actions of these activists should be viewed within this framework rather than through punitive lens.

This incident represents a mere technical issue concerning standard procedures for accessing government premises. As such, SUHAKAM urges the authorities to exercise their discretion and reconsider the charges. Law enforcement agencies and government bodies possess the full authority to apply reasoned judgment and demonstrate empathy in cases where the intention behind the actions is neither malicious nor harmful.

Considering this, SUHAKAM calls for the immediate withdrawal of charges against the activists and for a more open, rights-respecting approach in handling future engagements with civil society organizations.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

Date: 8 March 2025

Media Statement No. 16-2025_SUHAKAM Urges the Government to Drop Charges Against Human Rights ActivistsMuat Turun