Extend term of Suhakam official probing prison abuse, govt told

Free Malaysia Today

5 hours ago

Suhakam commissioner Mariati Robert is on a three-member panel holding a public inquiry into alleged human rights violations at Taiping prison. (Suhakam pic)
PETALING JAYA : An NGO has urged the government to extend the tenure of Suhakam commissioner Mariati Robert, who is on a panel investigating alleged human rights violations at Taiping prison.
Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (Madpet) pointed out that the first phase of Suhakam's inquiry had just ended on June 12, and the second phase will be held from June 23 to 26.
However, it said Mariati's term as Suhakam commissioner expires on June 22, alongside those of fellow office-holders Noor Aziah Awal, Nordin Ibrahim, K Ragunath, Chew Chee Ming, Hasnal Rezua Merican Habib Merican and Nazira Abdul Rahim.
Noor Aziah is serving her second and final term as a Suhakam commissioner while the rest, including Mariati, are eligible to be appointed for a second term.
'Given that Mariati's term ends soon, the public inquiry is at risk if she is not reappointed for another three-year term.
'If not, the public inquiry may have to start again, as all three commissioners on the panel need to hear and consider all evidence and make a decision independently,' Madpet said in a statement.
The other two on the panel investigating the incident at Taiping prison, which is said to have led to the death of one inmate and injury to several others, are Suhakam chairman Hishamudin Yunus and commissioner Farah Nini Dusuki.
Madpet urged Putrajaya not to extend the tenures of Hasnal and Nazira, citing their roles as active members and leaders in Umno. Hasnal is the Selayang Umno chief while Nazira heads the women's wing of the Kulim Umno division.
The NGO also suggested that the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act be amended so that a Suhakam commissioner's term of office is raised from three years to six, with no provision for reappointment or term extension.
'This will strengthen the independence of Suhakam commissioners, who are expected to act without fear or favour for human rights. They should not be afraid of angering the prime minister or the government of the day,' it said.
It also said the role of the prime minister and government in the appointment of Suhakam commissioners should be removed and allocated instead to Parliament or another independent body.