Posts in category: Press Statement

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (17 OKTOBER 2025) - Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM), pada 16 Oktober 2025 telah menganjurkan forum bertajuk “Strengthening Regional Accountability: ASEAN’s Failure on Women, Youth, Peace and Security in Myanmar” di Hotel IDEAS Kuala Lumpur. Forum ini telah anjuran bersama Progressive Voice and Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma (ALTSEAN-Burma) adalah platform bagi membincangkan krisis hak asasi manusia dan kemanusiaan yang semakin meruncing di Myanmar serta keperluan mendesak untuk memperkukuh mekanisme akauntabiliti serantau.

SUHAKAM teguh menyatakan solidariti bersama rakyat Myanmar, khususnya wanita dan belia yang terus berhadapan risiko berganda dan keganasan sejak rampasan kuasa secara haram pada tahun 2021. Forum ini telah mengangkat suara para pembela hak asasi manusia yang berkongsi testimoni secara langsung mengenai situasi kritikal di lapangan, termasuk keganasan seksual berkaitan konflik (CRSV) dan pelanggaran hak asasi manusia yang serius.

Pengerusi SUHAKAM, YBhg. Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus, dalam ucapan perasmiannya menarik perhatian terhadap skala bencana kemanusiaan dan hak asasi manusia yang buruk di Myanmar. Data semasa menunjukkan lebih 3.5 juta orang telah dipaksa meninggalkan tempat asal mereka dan lebih 6,000 orang awam terkorban sejak 2021. Perbincangan forum menekankan keperluan mendesak untuk menamatkan budaya impuniti (tidak dihukum/tidak perlu bertanggungjawab) yang telah berlarutan berdekad lamanya terhadap kekejaman oleh pihak tentera, di mana mereka telah menyasarkan wanita, kanak-kanak perempuan dan belia daripada kumpulan etnik dan agama minoriti melalui keganasan sistematik, termasuk CRSV.

Sesi perbincangan panel turut memberi tumpuan kepada isu Wanita dan Keganasan Seksual dan Berasaskan Jantina (SGBV), serta wakil belia yang berkongsi pengalaman mereka dalam krisis berterusan ini. Panel turut menilai secara kritikal pelaksanaanASEAN Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace and Security (RPA WPS). Perbincangan juga menumpukan kepada pematuhan CEDAW dan Beijing+30 yang mana kesemua negara ASEAN merupakan Negara Pihak kepada perjanjian ini. Walaupun kerangka ini menjanjikan perlindungan, penyertaan, pencegahan serta bantuan dan pemulihan, realiti di Myanmar jelas menunjukkan kegagalan ASEAN untuk melaksanakan komitmen tersebut.

SUHAKAM menzahirkan kebimbangan terhadap sikap berdiam diri dan kegagalan ASEAN dalam menangani keperluan dan suara wanita, kanak-kanak perempuan serta belia Myanmar. Pengecualian mereka daripada proses rundingan dan membuat keputusan berterusan meminggir dan melemahkan keberkesanan pelaksanaan RPA WPS dalam menangani krisis gender dan hak asasi manusia yang amat mendesak di rantau ini. Kepimpinan dan pengalaman wanita Myanmar yang berada di barisan hadapan perjuangan rakyat mesti diiktiraf dan diberi keutamaan dalam semua usaha keamanan dan keselamatan, sejajar dengan Resolusi 1325 Majlis Keselamatan Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (UNSCR 1325).

Berdasarkan testimoni dan perbincangan panel, SUHAKAM menyatakan sokongan terhadap seruan delegasi agar Malaysia memperkukuh sokongan kepada wanita dan belia Myanmar, khususnya dalam misi kemanusiaan serta usaha berterusan untuk menamatkan kezaliman tentera, budaya impuniti dan keganasan berasaskan gender.

SUHAKAM menggesa Kerajaan Malaysia, Ahli Parlimen, wakil diplomatik, media dan semua pihak berkepentingan untuk mengambil tindakan konkrit, termasuk:

1. Menggunakan semua saluran diplomatik bagi mendesak ASEAN dan Malaysia sebagai Pengerusi ASEAN 2025 untuk segera memberi keutamaan kepada usaha memulihkan keamanan dan kestabilan di Myanmar serta memastikan akses kemanusiaan tanpa halangan kepada komuniti yang terjejas sebelum sebarang pilihan raya diadakan;
2. Mendesak penyertaan suara wanita dan belia Myanmar dalam semua mekanisme serantau dan antarabangsa yang membincangkan krisis Myanmar; dan
3. Memperkukuh usaha bagi memastikan keadilan dan akauntabiliti terhadap jenayah kekejaman yang dilakukan oleh tentera Myanmar, termasuk CRSV.

SUHAKAM mengulangi komitmen untuk menggunakan platformnya sebagai Institusi Hak Asasi Manusia Kebangsaan (NHRI) bagi memperjuangkan hak asasi manusia, keadilan dan akauntabiliti untuk rakyat Myanmar di peringkat serantau dan antarabangsa.

SUHAKAM juga menyeru agar akauntabiliti serantau diperkukuh dan kepimpinan berani ditunjukkan dalam ASEAN untuk bertindak segera. ASEAN tidak boleh gagal melindungi komuniti serantau, khususnya wanita dan belia Myanmar.

-TAMAT-–

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Tarikh: 17 Oktober 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (7 OCTOBER 2025) – The Office of Children’s Commissioner (OCC) of SUHAKAM reminds all parties to uphold the principles of fairness, dignity, and compassion in ensuring a child-sensitive justice system. The best interests of the child must be the primary consideration in the treatment of child witnesses, ensuring access to justice while protecting them from hardship during the judicial processes.

The Child Act 2001 [Act 611] clearly affirms in its Preamble that “Every child is entitled to protection and assistance in all circumstances”, a protection that extends equally to child witnesses. Complementing this, the Evidence of Child Witness Act 2007 [Act 676] and Evidence of Child Witness (Amendment) Act 2023 [Act A1688] were specifically enacted to safeguard child witnesses by introducing child-friendly procedures during court processes.

Importantly, Section 6B of the Evidence of Child Witness Act further requires courts to prohibit improper questions, including those that are misleading, intimidating, humiliating, or based on stereotypes. This provision is designed to shield children from psychological, emotional, and physical harm while giving evidence.

Malaysia ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1995, affirming its commitment to uphold the full spectrum of children’s rights. This includes the obligation to ensure that child witnesses and all children in contact with the justice system are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect.

In this regard, OCC calls upon all legal practitioners, court officers, and stakeholders to ensure that these safeguards are consistently implemented in practice, so that children are not re-traumatised by their participation in judicial proceedings.

Office for Children’s Commissioner (OCC)

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

7 October 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (6 October 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) underscores that the national budget is not only a fiscal tool but also a moral and legal obligation of the Government to protect and fulfil the rights of all people in Malaysia. In light of the upcoming tabling of the 2026 Supply Bill (Budget) by the Minister of Finance on 10 October 2025, SUHAKAM urges that Budget 2026 be firmly grounded in a human rights framework, with emphasis on the following priorities:

1. Protecting Low-Income Households Amid Subsidy Reforms

With subsidy rationalisation underway, targeted assistance must ensure that low-income households are not left vulnerable to rising costs of living. Safeguards are needed so that fiscal reforms do not disproportionately burden the poorest communities.

2. Expanding Social Protection to Informal and ‘Missing Middle’ Workers

Many workers in the informal sector and those in the so-called ‘missing middle’ remain excluded from social protection. Budget 2026 should expand coverage of social safety nets, including health insurance, retirement savings, and income support, to these groups.

3. Ring-Fencing Health and Education Budgets

Health and education are fundamental rights that require guaranteed and sustained financing. SUHAKAM calls for both sectors to be ring-fenced from budget cuts, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare and education, particularly for marginalised groups.

4. Prioritising Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience

Climate change poses existential risks, especially to vulnerable rural and coastal communities. Budget 2026 should allocate resources for climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and community resilience programmes to protect lives and livelihoods.

5. Fiscal Responsibility Anchored in Rights

Fiscal discipline must not come at the expense of rights. Responsible budgeting should be guided by the principles of equity, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that every ringgit spent advances the dignity and well-being of people.

6. Strengthening Oversight Institutions

Parliamentary and independent oversight bodies must be adequately resourced and empowered to ensure that allocations are implemented effectively and free from misuse. Strong institutions are key to maintaining public trust in the budget process.

7. Providing Adequate Funding to SUHAKAM as a Legal Obligation

The Government has a statutory duty under Section 11(1) of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 (Act 597) to provide SUHAKAM with adequate funding to effectively and efficiently carry out its mandate. Budget 2026 must therefore reinforce the independence and capacity of SUHAKAM by guaranteeing sufficient resources for its human rights work as mandated by the Paris Principles.

In conclusion, SUHAKAM reiterates that Budget 2026 is an opportunity to reaffirm Malaysia’s commitment to uphold the rights of all, especially the most vulnerable communities. A rights-based budget is not only fiscally sound but also socially just and sustainable.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

Date: 6 October 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (3 OCTOBER 2025) The Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC), SUHAKAM urges the Government of Malaysia to ensure that Budget 2026 adopts a child-first approach, where allocations are directed towards the survival, protection, development, and participation of children. In line with Malaysia’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the national budget must provide concrete investments that safeguard children’s rights and secure the country’s future.

A strong commitment is required to strengthen the Safe School initiative. This involves allocating sufficient resources to repair and upgrade ageing facilities and learning tools, ensuring that schools nationwide meet safety standards, as well as funding anti-bullying advocacy efforts. Schools must also provide a safe environment for mental and emotional well-being. Budget 2026 should therefore expand investment in mental health services for children by ensuring that more school counsellors and psychologists are placed in high-need areas, accessible mental health hotlines are available for young people, and awareness programmes are developed for parents, teachers, and students to reduce stigma and build a culture of care.

The protection of children from violence, abuse, exploitation, and harmful practices must also be a budgetary priority. More resources are needed for child protection officers, social workers, children’s shelters, and preventive programmes that address violence against children. Equally important is the strengthening of child protection services and resources to fully implement the Child Act 2001 (Act 611), which is long overdue. Without proper funding for protection, children remain vulnerable to harms that undermine their rights and dignity.

Equally urgent is the need to end child poverty and support disadvantaged families. Poverty continues to harm children’s education, health, and future opportunities. Budget 2026 should enhance social protection for children by increasing cash assistance to low-income families and expanding access to nutritious school meals for those in need.

Finally, children’s health and nutrition demand greater investment. Budget 2026 should strengthen nutrition programmes for young children, support school-based health services, and expand primary healthcare facilities in underserved areas. Addressing malnutrition and obesity, together with preventive health measures, will help Malaysia build a healthier generation capable of reaching their full potential.

In conclusion, OCC emphasises that Budget 2026 should serve as an opportunity for Malaysia to demonstrate its sincere commitment to children. Every ringgit allocated to children is an investment in building a stronger, safer, and more resilient Malaysia. Investment in children must be the nation’s highest priority.

-TAMAT-

Pejabat Pesuruhjaya Kanak-Kanak (OCC)
Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) 

Date: 3 October 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (3 October 2025) – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) joins the Government of Malaysia and the international community in condemning the reported attack by Israeli forces on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a peaceful humanitarian mission carrying aid to Gaza. The incident, which has resulted in the detention of activists, humanitarian workers, and crew members, including Malaysians, represents a grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law.

The abduction and detention of civilians engaged in humanitarian work contravene fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Geneva Conventions, and international maritime law. The right to life, liberty and security of person must be upheld in all circumstances, and humanitarian actors must never be targeted for carrying out their lawful and moral duty to provide relief to those in need.

SUHAKAM stresses that the Global Sumud Flotilla is a legitimate and peaceful initiative aimed at delivering urgently needed humanitarian assistance to Gaza. At a time when Palestinians face catastrophic conditions of displacement, starvation, and systemic violations of their rights, obstructing humanitarian aid not only violates international law but undermines the very principles of humanity and dignity.

SUHAKAM calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained, including the 12 Malaysians, and for the safe and unhindered passage of humanitarian relief into Gaza. We further urge the United Nations and the international community to uphold international law, to take concerted action against atrocities, and to ensure accountability for violations of human rights and humanitarian principles.

Malaysia has consistently stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their pursuit of justice, dignity, and self-determination. SUHAKAM reaffirms this position and underscores that the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers is not optional, but a binding obligation under international law that all states must respect and enforce.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)

Date: 3 October 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (24 September 2025) – The Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC), SUHAKAM wishes to provide clarification to the public regarding the legal principles of statutory rape under Section 375(g) of the Penal Code, particularly on the issue of consent and the protection of children.

This law is based on the principle that girls under the age of 16 do not have the legal capacity to give consent to any form of sexual activity. This means that even if a situation appears to be “mutual,” the law still regards the girl as a victim. The rationale is that girls at this age are not yet mature physically, mentally, or emotionally, and are easily exposed to manipulation, persuasion, or exploitation by others. Therefore, the law ensures that girls who are victims are protected from double trauma and are not blamed or punished. Punishment in these cases applies only to the male perpetrator, whether he is an adult or a child under the age of 18.

For male child perpetrators, the law allows them to be charged, but subject to the special principles of juvenile justice. According to Section 91 of the Child Act 2001 [Act 611], the court has the authority to issue orders for children, including placement in approved institutions (Sekolah Tunas Bakti) or Henry Gurney Schools. This approach strikes a balance between accountability and rehabilitation, providing young offenders with a second chance. They are not punished like adult criminals, but are still held responsible and undergo rehabilitation.

The OCC emphasises that statutory rape laws are not intended to punish girl victims, but to protect them from any form of exploitation and discrimination. These laws reflect Malaysia’s commitment to the best interests of the child as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Child Act 2001.

The OCC calls on all parties, particularly enforcement agencies, educators, and society at large, to understand and uphold this principle. Protecting children is a collective responsibility, and every child deserves full protection from exploitation and the opportunity to grow up safely and healthily.

-TAMAT-

Pejabat Pesuruhjaya Kanak-Kanak (OCC)
Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM) 

Date: 24 September 2025

(KUALA LUMPUR) 10 SEPTEMBER 2025 – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) expresses grave concern over reports of the imminent executions of four Malaysian citizens, Datchinamurthy a/l Kataiah, Pannir Selvam Pranthaman, Saminathan a/l Selvaraju, and Lingkesvaran Rajendaren who are currently on death row in Singapore for drug-related offences.

SUHAKAM’s stance against the death penalty is rooted in our unwavering belief in justice, dignity, and the possibility of rehabilitation for all. The mandatory death sentence strips judges of the discretion to weigh the individual circumstances of each case, undermining the principles of fairness that should form the foundation of any legal system.

Although Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) permits the use of the death penalty only for the “most serious” crimes, SUHAKAM emphasizes that the Human Rights Committee, which interprets the Covenant, has consistently ruled that drug-related offences do not meet this standard.

The planned execution violates Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which affirms that “everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.” The irreversible nature of the death penalty, particularly in cases with significant mitigating factors, erodes the core values of human dignity and justice.

In line with Malaysia’s own reform path, including the abolition of the mandatory death penalty in 2023, SUHAKAM reiterates its opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances, and stresses that the use of capital punishment for drug offences is both unlawful and disproportionate.

SUHAKAM therefore urges the Malaysian Government to:

1. Take all possible diplomatic and legal measures to safeguard the rights and lives of Malaysian citizens on death row abroad.
2. Engage international and regional human rights mechanisms to ensure their cases receive due consideration; and
3. Continue Malaysia’s leadership role in advocating for the progressive abolition of the death penalty at the regional and international levels.

SUHAKAM stands firm in advocating for justice, compassion, and the inherent rights of all individuals, regardless of nationality or circumstance and will continue to support efforts to protect the rights of Malaysians overseas and to advance the broader movement towards the abolition of the death penalty.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Date: 10 September 2025

PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA (8 SEPTEMBER 2025) – Today, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) and the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) signed a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) commencing on 8 September 2025.

The MoU was signed by SUHAKAM’s Chairman, Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus, and HRCM’s President, Ms. Mariyam Muna. The MoU formalises the intention of both national human rights institutions (NHRIs) to strengthen cooperation through consultations, information exchange, capacity building, knowledge sharing and the exchange of experiences in the promotion and protection of human rights at national, regional and international levels.

The Republic of Maldives, by its constitution, a democratic Republic based on the principles of Islam, acceded to UNCAT on 20 April 2004, and ratified the Optional Protocol (OPCAT) on 15 February 2006. In April 2008, as prescribed under the OPCAT, the government of the Maldives legislatively designated HRCM as the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM).

By this MoU, SUHAKAM, through the HCRM, seeks to draw on the experiences and best practices of the Republic of Maldives. This knowledge exchange is expected to strengthen SUHAKAM’s advocacy for Malaysia’s accession to UNCAT, particularly, in addressing issues relating to the compatibility of UNCAT with Shari’ah law. At the same time, HRCM expresses interest in learning from SUHAKAM’s initiative in human rights education, particularly, the Human Rights Best Practices (ATHAM) in Schools programmes, designed to inculcate awareness and understanding of human rights among teachers and students in schools.

The MoU underscores the commitments of both SUHAKAM and HRCM to strengthen bilateral cooperation by focusing on training and capacity building vide the Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA), technical assistance, and the sharing of expertise on areas including, but not limited to, UNCAT, Shari’ah law and human rights education as well as any other mutually agreed areas of collaboration.

Both institutions hope that this MoU will provide a meaningful platform for stakeholders in Malaysia and the Maldives to engage in constructive dialogue on human rights issues and to advance the shared objectives of the agreement.

The MoU signing ceremony was held in conjunction with the Closed-Door High-Level Dialogue on Torture Prevention at The Everly Putrajaya, Putrajaya, on 8 September 2025. The dialogue was officiated by SUHAKAM’s Chairman, Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus, whilst HRCM’s President, Ms. Mariyam Muna, participated as a resource person, sharing HCRM’s expertise and the Republic of the Maldives’s experience in harmonising international human rights frameworks with Islamic Principles in acceding to UNCAT.

-TAMAT-

Suruhanjaya Hak Asasi Manusia Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM)
Date: 8 September 2025