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KUALA LUMPUR (15 JANUARI 2025) – Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) telah menyiasat aduan yang diterima berkenaan kematian seorang tahanan warganegara Pakistan iaitu Jamshed Ahmed (Penama) di Depot Imigresen Bukit Jalil. Kematian tersebut dilaporkan berlaku pada 15 Januari 2024 dan SUHAKAM telah menjalankan siasatan di bawah Seksyen 12(1), Akta Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia 1999 [Akta 597].

Penama ditahan semasa serbuan yang dijalankan oleh Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia di rumahnya di Bukit Sentosa, Rawang pada 6 Januari 2024 lebih kurang jam 2.00 pagi dan telah ditahan di Depot Imigresen Bukit Jalil. Penama telah didapati tidak sihat dan berada dalam keadaan sangat lemah ketika berada di dalam sel. Pada 9 Januari 2024 Penama telah dibawa ke Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) UKM untuk rawatan. Penama dilaporkan meninggal dunia pada 15 Januari 2024.

Berikut adalah hasil dapatan SUHAKAM berdasarkan siasatan yang dijalankan serta penelitian kesemua dokumen yang diterima:

i. Dakwaan Menafikan Hak Rawatan ke atas Penama

Aduan yang diterima oleh SUHAKAM mendakwa bahawa kematian Penama adalah berpunca dari penafian hak rawatan ke atas Penama oleh pihak Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia. Ini kerana, Penama mempunyai penyakit diabetes dan memerlukan pengambilan insulin setiap hari. Walau bagaimanapun, pengadu mendakwa bahawa Penama tidak diberikan insulin tersebut sehingga menyebabkan kematian berlaku. Hasil dapatan SUHAKAM mendapati bahawa dakwaan tersebut adalah berasas berdasarkan maklumat yang konsisten yang diperolehi dari keterangan pengadu, rakan tangkapan, anggota dan kakitangan Depot Imigresen Bukit Jalil serta Pegawai Perubatan dari HCTM UKM.

ii. Tiada Saringan Kesihatan Semasa Kemasukan dan Tiada Tindakan Susulan Saringan Kesihatan Selepas Kemasukan Tahanan

Prosedur kemasukan tahanan di Depot Imigresen mewajibkan saringan kesihatan awal perlu dilakukan ke atas tahanan. Di dalam kes Penama, tiada saringan awal dilakukan oleh pihak Imigresen semasa kemasukan. Ini memandangkan penahanan berlaku pada 6 Januari 2024 (Sabtu, hari cuti umum) sedangkan Penolong Pegawai Perubatan (PPP) hanya bertugas pada hari bekerja. SUHAKAM juga mendapati tiada tindakan susulan dilakukan pada 8 Januari 2024 (Isnin) untuk membuat saringan awal terhadap tahanan yang telah dikenalpasti mempunyai penyakit semasa kemasukan. PPP juga tidak mengetahui tentang penyakit Penama yang memerlukan ubat insulin setiap hari; sehinggalah Penama pengsan di dalam sel pada 9 Januari 2024. Berdasarkan fakta tersebut, SUHAKAM berpendapat bahawa wujudnya kecuaian dalam membuat saringan kesihatan awal dan pemberian insulin kepada Penama pada masa tersebut.

iii. Serahan Kes Tangkapan Lewat Kepada Pegawai Penyiasat

SUHAKAM dimaklumkan bahawa serbuan dan penahanan telah dibuat pada 6 Januari 2024 (Sabtu) dan Penama dibawa ke Depot Imigresen Bukit Jalil pada hari yang sama. Walau bagaimanapun, kes tersebut diserahkan kepada Pegawai Penyiasat Kes (IO Kes) dari Jabatan Imigresen hanya pada 8 Januari 2024 (Isnin) dan tindakan untuk mengambil keterangan hanya dijalankan pada 9 Januari 2024 (Selasa). Penama telah ditahan di dalam depot selama beberapa hari tanpa sebarang tindakan siasatan dijalankan. Sekiranya fail siasatan ini telah diserahkan kepada IO Kes pada hari tangkapan, siasatan awal dengan mengambil keterangan Penama boleh dijalankan. Ini membolehkan IO Kes dapat mengetahui penyakit yang dialami dan keperluan ubat bagi penyakitnya.

iv. Tiada Pegawai Penyiasat oleh Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) yang Mengendalikan Laporan Polis bagi Kematian dan Pemeriksaan Dari Koroner

SUHAKAM mendapati bahawa walaupun laporan polis bagi kematian Penama telah dibuat oleh Pegawai Depot Imigresen Bukit Jalil pada 15 Januari 2024, namun pihak PDRM tidak mengambil apa-apa tindakan untuk menugaskan mana-mana Pegawai Penyiasat dari PDRM untuk menyiasat kematian itu. Laporan polis tersebut hanya ‘dirujuk’ kepada pihak hospital. Oleh yang demikian, tiada sebarang siasatan telah dijalankan oleh Pegawai Penyiasat PDRM serta tiada pemeriksaan oleh Koroner telah dilaksanakan ke atas kematian tersebut mengikut Seksyen 337 Kanun Tatacara Jenayah dibaca bersama Arahan Amalan Ketua Hakim Negara Bil. 2 Tahun 2019.

v. Pemeriksaan Tahanan Semasa Kemasukan Tidak Menghormati Maruah Tahanan

Selain hasil dapatan berkaitan kes kematian Penama, SUHAKAM juga mendapati bahawa semua tahanan yang ditahan bersama Penama telah diarahkan untuk menanggalkan pakaian beramai-ramai bagi menjalani pemeriksaan fizikal. Dalam menjalankan pemeriksaan ini, hak privasi tahanan telah dinafikan. Setiap tahanan dan anggota yang ada di situ boleh melihat antara satu sama lain. Bagi tahanan wanita pula, mereka diarahkan untuk menanggalkan pakaian di dalam bilik air untuk tujuan pemeriksaan fizikal. Walau bagaimanapun, pintu bilik air tersebut dibiarkan terbuka sehingga menyebabkan semua orang yang lalu-lalang termasuk anggota lelaki boleh melihat tahanan wanita yang berada di dalam bilik air tersebut. SUHAKAM mendapati maklumat ini adalah konsisten dengan maklumat yang diberikan oleh rakan-rakan tangkapan.

Sehubungan itu, SUHAKAM mengesyorkan agar satu inkues kematian di bawah Seksyen 339 Kanun Tatacara Jenayah dibaca bersama Arahan Amalan Ketua Hakim Negara Bil. 2 Tahun 2019 dijalankan ke atas kes kematian Penama di Depot Imigresen Bukit Jalil. Ini hendaklah dilakukan dengan secepat mungkin bagi mengenalpasti punca kematian serta menentukan sama ada wujudnya elemen jenayah atau kecuaian berhubung dengan kematian Penama. SUHAKAM telah menghantar laporan siasatan ini kepada Jabatan Peguam Negara pada 26 Jun 2024 dengan mengesyorkan agar inkues dijalankan.

Satu surat susulan telah dikeluarkan pada 10 September 2024 selaras dengan seksyen 13(3) Akta Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia 1999 (Akta 597) untuk mendapatkan maklumbalas mengenai tindakan yang diambil oleh pihak berkuasa mengenai pelanggaran hak asasi manusia tersebut. SUHAKAM juga telah memaklumkan hasil siasatan kes ini kepada Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia dan PDRM pada 14 Jun 2024. Namun, sehingga hari ini tiada sebarang maklumbalas diterima oleh SUHAKAM.

Hari ini genap setahun kematian Penama dan SUHAKAM berharap pihak berkuasa akan mengambil tindakan yang sewajarnya demi menegakkan keadilan kepada semua pihak yang terlibat. 

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Tarikh: 15 Januari 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (11 JANUARY 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) has taken note of the cancelled picket and we wish to clarify on the issues raised by the concerned staff.

Firstly, SUHAKAM has yet to receive any formal confirmation regarding the legality or legitimacy of the alleged union involved in this action. Without such clarity, it is difficult to ascertain the true representation or mandate of the alleged group behind the picket. As an independent human rights institution, SUHAKAM operates in alignment with the government regulations which includes human resource management, finance and operational systems, where SUHAKAM is subjected to regular audits in accordance with prevailing circulars and regulations issued by the government. 

Recent concerns raised by some staff members regarding SUHAKAM’s restructuring exercise, specifically the proposed Flexi Grade system and related matters such as career progression, salary adjustments and performance evaluations, have prompted the need for clarification. SUHAKAM wishes to address these concerns in a transparent manner to prevent misunderstandings and to provide accurate information.

In 2024, SUHAKAM embarked on a significant restructuring initiative to enhance organizational efficiency and equity. A key component of this initiative was the introduction of the Flexi Grade system. This system aims to establish clear and fair pathways for career progression and remuneration for all staff members. Under this restructuring, the Deputy Secretaries’ Secretary (TSU, Grade 52) positions was upgraded aligned to Grade 54 to enable career progression for Principal Assistant Secretaries (KPSU, Grade 48) to advance their positions to Grade 52. This plan, which was initiated several years ago, has been meticulously deliberated in meetings such as the Jawatankuasa Pengukuhan Struktur Organisasi dan Perjawatan (JPSOP) and endorsed by the Commission. 

It is important to emphasize that the restructuring and Flexi Grade system are designed to ensure equal opportunities across all grades and this decision underscores SUHAKAM’s commitment to equitable advancement and negates claims that staff members have been denied salary increases and that increments are only meant for a selected few. The restructuring process is ongoing, with the goal of establishing clear and transparent career pathways for all officers and staff, ensuring their contributions are recognized within the restructuring timeline.

In response to concerns on the performance evaluations, SUHAKAM is implementing a 360-degree assessment framework, starting with the TSU position in 2024. This phased approach allows for refinement before extending the system to all other grades. The aim is to create a fair and comprehensive evaluation mechanism that benefits all staff members.

SUHAKAM is also reviewing the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) to better understand its framework and to assess its potential applicability within SUHAKAM as an independent Commission. A briefing session by the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM) is already in the works and scheduled on 21 January 2025 to better understand the SSPA framework and its potential applicability to SUHAKAM. Should any recommendations be adopted, they may be implemented retrospectively backdated to December 2024. This consultative process reflects SUHAKAM’s commitment to ensuring decisions are inclusive and aligned with the interests of all parties.

SUHAKAM is dedicated to engaging in constructive dialogues with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for both the organization and our staff. SUHAKAM remains committed to ensuring that any restructuring or internal changes within the organization are handled with full transparency, fairness and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Our goal is to continue upholding the principles of human rights, including the right to fair labour practices, whilst while ensuring that SUHAKAM operates with integrity and efficiency in serving the public. We are confident that an amicable resolution will be reached through open dialogue and mutual understanding. We appreciate the public’s understanding as we work through these matters internally. 

-TAMAT-

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 11 January 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (9 JANUARY 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) unequivocally reaffirms its independence and steadfast commitment to upholding the Paris Principles, that binds us to the best operational standard of a human rights institute.

SUHAKAM is guided by the government’s operational framework – specifically those governing governance, human resource management and emolument and undergoes regular audits in accordance with all relevant government circulars and standards. 

This rigorous oversight underscores SUHAKAM’s dedication to transparency, accountability and adherence to national regulations.

SUHAKAM is still studying the adaptability of the government’s new emolument scheme and is engaged with the relevant agencies. It is also in-line with SUHAKAM’s overall organisational restructuring programme that has begun since 2024, this initiative is aimed at bolstering organizational efficiency and ensuring equitable opportunities for all employees. 

SUHAKAM is open to discussion especially on how to best safeguard the interest of our employees and remains unwavering in our commitment to fostering a positive, collaborative work environment. 

We appreciate the public’s ongoing trust and reassure all stakeholders that SUHAKAM continues to uphold the highest standards of governmental oversight in emolument and operational matters. 

-TAMAT-

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 9 January 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (19 DECEMBER 2024) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses its deep concern over the decision of the Terengganu Syariah Court in the case of Mohd Affendi Awang, a 42-year-old carpenter, who was sentenced to six lashes in public after being convicted of repeated khalwat (close proximity) offences under Section 31(a) of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Takzir) (Terengganu) Enactment 2022. This punishment undermines human rights, dignity and the rule of law. The Commission takes note that the whipping under Syariah laws is different from civil law. Be that as it may, the sentence not only constitutes cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment but also raises serious questions regarding the legality of public caning under the Federal Constitution and federal law.

A Clear Breach of Human Rights

Public caning is an affront to human dignity and violates a basic principle enshrined in both international law and the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. Article 5 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which the courts have affirmed includes the right to live with dignity (Tan Tek Seng v Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Pendidikan [1996] 1 MLJ 261).

The public execution of such a punishment exacerbates its degrading nature, subjecting the individual to humiliation, anguish and shame. Such practice is not only inconsistent with human rights standards but it also dehumanizes the individual and perpetuates a cycle of stigma, rather than focusing on rehabilitation.

Jurisdictional Overreach and Legal Irregularities

SUHAKAM is of the view that the Terengganu Syariah Court, in imposing public whipping, exceeds its jurisdiction as conferred by federal law, namely, the Syariah Courts (Criminal Jurisdiction) Act 1965 [Act 355], which only permits whipping and not public whipping.

Section 125(3)(c) of the Terengganu Syariah Criminal Procedure Enactment 2001, which permits the Syariah Court to direct the place of whipping to be before the public, is not envisaged by Act 355. The Commission is of the view that directing whipping before the public renders the punishment in excess of, or ultra vires to, Act 355, as well as to be in violation of the jurisdictional limitation imposed by Item 1 of the State List of the Federal Constitution.

The Need to Uphold Dignity and Rule of Law

Punishments that inflict physical violence and public humiliation have no place in a modern justice system. They undermine Malaysia’s commitments to human rights, tarnish its legal integrity and erode the dignity of individuals – a value upheld by all religions, including Islam.

SUHAKAM is steadfast in advocating for the abolishment of corporal punishments regardless whether imposed by judicial authorities or by educational authorities.

It is high time that Malaysia becomes a party to the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT), as many other Muslim-majority countries have already ratified or acceded to this convention.

We respectfully call upon the relevant authorities to reconsider the implementation of public caning; and instead to respect and uphold the Federal Constitution, federal laws and human rights. We must endeavour to abolish practices that violate human dignity and to focus instead on rehabilitative justice.

Judicial punishments must never be carried out at the cost of human dignity. Public caning, regardless of whichever authority that imposes it, constitutes cruel and degrading treatment and has no place in a society that values justice, compassion and the rule of law.

-TAMAT-

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 19 December 2024

KUALA LUMPUR (10 DECEMBER 2024) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) marked Human Rights Day 2024 under the theme “Empowering Our Rights, Securing Our Future: Business Responsibility for People and Nation”. Co-organized with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department and the United Nations in Malaysia, the event highlighted the critical role of businesses in advancing human rights.

In his Welcome Address, SUHAKAM Chairman Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamudin Md. Yunus stressed that human rights are fundamental obligations enshrined in the Federal Constitution and Malaysia’s international commitments. He called for the urgent adoption of a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAPBHR), emphasizing that ethical corporate practices are essential for sustainable economic growth and social justice.

SUHAKAM urged stronger measures to address forced labour, unsafe working conditions and environmental harm, advocating for greater accountability, labour protections and whistleblower empowerment. Emerging threats such as online hate speech and digital exploitation were also identified as urgent challenges requiring a rights-based approach.

The Chairman outlined five key priorities for strengthening Malaysia’s human rights framework:

1. Ratification or Accession of International Treaties: Malaysia must take definitive steps to accede to the Refugee Convention of 1951, as well as ratify or accede to the remaining key human rights treaties, including the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR);
2. Promoting Equality: Combat gender inequality, xenophobia and discrimination against marginalized communities;
3. Ensuring Access to Justice: Ensuring access to justice is fundamental to a rights-respecting society – this includes strengthening legal aid mechanisms and institutional accountability;
4. Enhancing Human Rights Education: Integrate human rights into schools, workplaces and communities – an informed society is better equipped to uphold its rights and respect the rights of others; and
5. Advancing Business and Human Rights: Align corporate practices with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

While noting progress made, Mohd Hishamudin emphasized the need for continued reforms to address inequalities and protect vulnerable groups such as children, persons with disabilities, refugees and the urban poor.

He called for collective action from the government, businesses and civil society, stating, “The realization of human rights is a shared responsibility. Together, we can build a Malaysia where human rights are not only protected but celebrated”.

Meanwhile, during the event, SUHAKAM Vice Chairman, YM Tengku Mohamed Fauzi Tengku Abdul Hamid, who was one of the panellist during the forum, touched on the transition to a green economy is vital for ASEAN, driving sustainable development while protecting the environment for future generations. By creating green jobs in renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture and conservation, alongside investments in solar, wind, hydro and geothermal innovation, ASEAN can align economic growth with environmental stewardship. Electrification, biodegradable alternatives and reduced reliance on non-renewables are key steps forward.

“ASEAN must incentivize sustainable practices, penalize harmful activities and ensure corporate accountability. Establishing a Regional Environmental Court, as proposed at the ASEAN MPs Conference on 13 July in Kuala Lumpur, would strengthen governance and environmental justice. These bold steps position ASEAN as a global leader in sustainability, innovation and prosperity”.

-TAMAT-

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 10 December 2024

KUALA LUMPUR (8 DECEMBER 2024) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) commends the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) for the recent issuance of arrest warrants for the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defence minister Yoav Gallant and a senior Hamas official. The move signifies a crucial step towards accountability for the gravest violations of international human rights law in Gaza, including genocide, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity. This decision by the ICC underscores the global community’s shared commitment towards upholding justice and the rule of law in the face of egregious acts that contravene fundamental liberties and human rights.

It is estimated that the current death toll in Gaza has exceeded 44,300. According to UN sources, between Nov 2023 and April 2024, 70% of Palestinian deaths in Gaza are women and children.

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) allows the prosecution of those responsible for international crimes, such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression. The ICC was established in 2004 after the Rome Statute was adopted on 17 July 1998. Currently there are 124 States who are parties to the Rome Statute.

Sadly, Malaysia is not a party to the Rome Statute.

SUHAKAM, since 2005, has consistently been advocating for Malaysia to be a party to the Rome Statute. SUHAKAM is of the view that acceding to the Rome Statute will be a legal avenue for Malaysia to bring justice to all victims of human rights violations. 

It is to be recalled that in 2019 the Malaysian government, upon the advice of the then Attorney-General, almost acceded to the Rome Statute. Malaysia had deposited with the United Nation the instrument of accession to the Rome Statute. This was followed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry issuing a press release announcing Malaysia’s accession to the Rome Statute. Unfortunately, before the accession could legally take effect, the government had to withdraw it due to strong opposition from some quarters.

Had Malaysia been a party to the Rome Statute, we would be able to refer the atrocities committed in the Gaza conflict to the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC for investigation and prosecution.

SUHAKAM consistently supports international mechanisms that advance the protection of human rights. SUHAKAM had previously supported decisions by other international judicial bodies, such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), whenever such decisions align with SUHAKAM’s mandate to advocate for the protection and promotion of human rights. Similarly, SUHAKAM views the ICC’s actions as essential in addressing systemic violations, including the deprivation of basic necessities like water and food, acts of oppression and ethnic cleansing, all of which represent severe affronts to human dignity.

Consistent with the position and role taken by Malaysia with respect to the plight of the Palestinian people and the atrocities committed by Israel, SUHAKAM urges the Government of Malaysia to reconsider its position and to now imminently accede to the Rome Statute. Accession would mark a significant step towards demonstrating Malaysia’s sincerity and commitment towards addressing international crimes, upholding justice and contributing actively to the international human rights framework.

SUHAKAM calls on all stakeholders, both domestically and internationally, to support actions aimed at holding perpetrators of gross human rights violations accountable. Let us remember that justice for victims transcends borders and is a shared responsibility of the global community.

In conclusion, SUHAKAM remains committed to championing human rights, advocating for justice and speaking out courageously and transparently against violations, irrespective of geographical or political considerations.

-TAMAT-

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 8 December 2024

KUALA LUMPUR (7 DECEMBER 2024) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) proudly announces the successful conclusion of the Human Rights Festival Sarawak 2024, held today at The Hills, Kuching. Organized in conjunction with Human Rights Day, the festival brought together a vibrant and diverse community under the theme “Empowering Our People, Securing Our Future”.

This event offered an inclusive platform to raise human rights awareness and foster collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations and the public. People of all ages participated in a wide range of activities aimed at inspiring action and building meaningful connections.

Key highlights of the festival included:

1. Interactive exhibitions by NGOs and government agencies, providing information on support services and raising public awareness.
2. Cultural performances, including traditional dances and performances by elderly and disabled artists, celebrating Sarawak’s rich diversity and talent.
3. Special demonstrations, such as handicraft weaving, recycling workshops and live art by Deaf artist Toon, promoting creativity and inclusivity.
4. Film screenings and talent showcases that tackled important social issues while fostering unity and understanding through art and expression.

SUHAKAM is dedicated to empowering communities, which is crucial for building a prosperous and inclusive Sarawak. The festival served as a reminder of our shared responsibility to safeguard the rights of all, especially children and vulnerable groups, to create a fair and sustainable future.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the partners, exhibitors and performers whose dedication made this event possible. Their commitment to promoting human rights highlights the strength of community action in driving positive change. As we move forward, SUHAKAM remains steadfast in advocating for equality, dignity and justice for all. Let’s continue working together to address inequalities and create opportunities for everyone to thrive.

Lastly, SUHAKAM wishes to thank the people of Sarawak for their enthusiastic participation and support. We look forward to seeing you at future events as we continue our collective journey toward a more inclusive and just society.

-TAMAT-

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 7 December 2024

KUALA LUMPUR (3 DECEMBER 2024) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) commemorates the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In this commemoration, we stand in solidarity with persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Malaysia, and around the world.

The theme for this year, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”, underscores the critical role PWDs play in shaping policies, communities, and a more inclusive future. It reminds us of the importance of amplifying the leadership of PWDs to achieve an inclusive and sustainable future. Leadership is not just about representation, it is also about empowering PWDs to actively engage in decision-making processes, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their rights are respected. We must recognize the efforts of numerous leaders within the disability community who have tirelessly advocated for inclusivity, accessibility, and equality, often in the face of significant challenges.

SUHAKAM commends the recent amendment to the SUHAKAM Act 1999, which mandates the inclusion of at least one Commissioner for PWDs in the decision-making process. To facilitate this commitment, SUHAKAM urges the swift appointment of the PWDs Commissioner to provide necessary support and action for individuals with disabilities. SUHAKAM reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding and promoting the rights of PWDs, advocating for stronger legislative frameworks, enhanced accessibility, and greater opportunities for PWDs to assume leadership roles across all sectors. By empowering PWDs’ leadership, we can truly create an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute meaningfully.

Malaysia has been a state party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) for over 14 years. Malaysia signed the Convention on 8 April 2008 and ratified the same on 19 July 2010. In 2008 Parliament passed the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008 [Act 685] (PWDs Act).

It is high time now to incorporate the international Convention into the Federal Constitution. In this regard, SUHAKAM calls for amendments to Article 8(2) and Article 12 of the Federal Constitution to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on disabilities. SUHAKAM believes that significant work remains to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. PWDs need protection against torture and abuse, as well as recognition of their rights to nationality and movement. Therefore, it is crucial to lift the reservations to Articles 15 and 18 of the CRPD. SUHAKAM also urges the Government to expedite the submission of the National State Report on the CRPD.

SUHAKAM believes that significant work remains to address the challenges of persons with disabilities. PWDs are critically left out of access to education, health, information, and employment. Every PWD needs to be protected against fake, false and inappropriate information. There should be a platform to provide access to accurate and thorough information. Politicians, policymakers, PWDs and the community need to be further educated on PWDs’ rights.

SUHAKAM, therefore, urges the Government and all sectors of society to collaborate and take decisive actions to fully realize the rights of persons with disabilities in Malaysia. Among the measures to be taken is to advocate for amendments to the PWDs Act so as to provide for punishment or remedy for violations of the Act. Together, we can drive meaningful change. This is a crucial moment to embrace the motto “Nothing Without Us” as it highlights the importance of PWDs involvements and contributions. 

SUHAKAM further advocates for the empowerment of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. SUHAKAM takes this opportunity to stress that state governments must be earnest in their responsibility in ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. SUHAKAM is actively conducting a survey to evaluate the accessibility services provided to persons with disabilities by local governments. We urge all local and state governments to take this survey seriously by expeditiously sharing their feedback to improve these essential services. Additionally, the Plan of Action for Persons with Disabilities 2016-2022 has exceeded its two-year timeline and is now positioned for a vital renewal that will strengthen our efforts for the future.

As we commemorate this important day, let us all unite to amplify the leadership of persons with disabilities and create an environment that supports their invaluable contributions. Together, we can build a future where dignity, respect, and equality are realities for all.

-TAMAT-

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 3 December 2024