Suhakam officer files judicial review against Commission
Published on: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 Text Size: Dr Alfonso submitted a written reply within the time stipulated and subsequently issued a formal written reminder to Suhakam on May 17 2025 via letter and email, urging the Commission to make a decision. Kota Kinabalu: Dr Alfonso Min, a senior officer of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, has filed a Judicial Review application at the High Court here against Suhama and its Disciplinary Committee. His judicial review leave application filed by his lawyer Dato' Sri K. Rakhbir Singh, challenges the Commission's prolonged disciplinary proceedings and continued failure to render a decision following a show cause process initiated earlier this year. Dr Alfonso joined Suhakam in 2013 and has served with distinction for over 12 years. He last held the post of Ketua Penolong Setiausaha (Gred 48) based in Kota Kinabalu. During his tenure, he contributed significantly to administrative, legal, and human rights functions within the Commission. The current proceedings stem from a show cause letter issued by Suhakam dated January 28 2025. Dr Alfonso submitted a written reply within the time stipulated and subsequently issued a formal written reminder to Suhakam on May 17 2025 via letter and email, urging the Commission to make a decision. Despite this, Suhakam took no steps to resolve the matter or conclude the disciplinary process. The matter was left indefinitely suspended, creating unnecessary hardship, reputational harm, and uncertainty over Dr Alfonso's employment status. As a result of Suhakam's inaction and ongoing procedural irregularities, Dr Alfonso is now compelled to seek judicial intervention. In his application, filed by Lawyer Rakhbir Singh, he challenges the legal validity of the disciplinary framework relied upon by Suhakam, contending that it is unconstitutional and had been superseded by the Statutory Bodies (Discipline and Surcharge) Act 2000. He also alleged that the Commission acted in bad faith in its handling of his 2023 performance evaluation, and that his demotion and withholding of salary since September 2024 constitute unlawful breaches of contract. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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