Latest news with #HumanRightsCommissionofMalaysia
Barnama
2 days ago
- General
- Barnama
Malaysia Reaffirms Commitment To Global Landmine-free Advocacy
Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Forces (RMAF) General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris (third, left) and Chairman of Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Md Yunus (third, right) posed for a group photo during the International Seminar: Towards a Landmine-Free World - The Case of Azerbaijan at the Asian International Arbitration Centre. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHTS RESERVED Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Forces (RMAF) General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris delivers his keynote speech during the International Seminar: Towards a Landmine-Free World - The Case of Azerbaijan at the Asian International Arbitration Centre. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHTS RESERVED Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Forces (RMAF) General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris delivers his keynote speech during the International Seminar: Towards a Landmine-Free World - The Case of Azerbaijan at the Asian International Arbitration Centre. --fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHTS RESERVED KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysia, as one of the first landmine-free countries in Asia, remains unwavering in its global advocacy to increase public awareness of the dangers posed by all forms of explosive remnants of war (ERW). Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Air Force chief General Datuk Seri Muhamad Norazlan Aris said Malaysia firmly believed that the harm caused by landmines far outweighs any perceived military utility. This conviction has led Malaysia to take a firm stand and actively support the global effort towards a landmine-free world, including through a defence cooperation programme in demining and mine destruction with different countries. bootstrap slideshow He added that the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) continue to contribute to humanitarian efforts in mine-affected countries such as Cambodia and Bosnia. 'While it is true that we are already becoming a landmine-free country, we maintain an unwavering obligation to provide support to the victims of landmines. 'In Malaysia, the support was provided through the Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department, which offers various forms of assistance and support to veterans, including financial assistance, welfare programmes, and assistance with employment and healthcare,' he said in his keynote address during the International Seminar Towards a Landmine-free World - Case of Azerbaijan, here on Monday. Muhamad Norazlan noted that according to the Landmines Monitor 2024 report, at least 5,757 people have been either killed or wounded by landmines and other ERWs worldwide in 2023. In Azerbaijan alone, there have been 3,400 victims of landmines in the last 30 years, with an estimated 1.5 million landmines still hidden. He said this is not just mere statistics, but represents real people whose lives have been irrevocably impacted by these indiscriminate weapons.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Expert: House arrest can ease prison crowding, but must include safeguards
KUALA LUMPUR: The government's move to introduce house arrest as an alternative to imprisonment has been welcomed as a timely measure to reduce prison overcrowding. However, an expert says its implementation must come with clear guidelines, targeted eligibility, and strong monitoring systems to ensure its effectiveness. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) former Commissioner and academic Professor Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal said the initiative reflects a progressive step towards reforming the penal system, especially for low-risk and remand detainees. "I certainly welcome the government's intention to implement home arrest. "As a former Suhakam commissioner, I have been involved in efforts to address prison congestion and overcrowding. "Home arrest will definitely reduce the number of detainees. More importantly, it would allow individuals to continue working and supporting their families while serving their sentence at home under certain conditions," she told the New Straits Times. Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail recently announced that the ministry is in the final phase of finalising a bill on house arrest. The proposal has already received policy approval and is aimed at curbing overcrowding in Malaysian prisons. Noor Aziah said that while house arrest offers a practical solution, it should be one of several alternatives in a broader reform framework. "It's definitely an effective measure, but just one option. We must also ensure that it applies to remand prisoners, who currently make up nearly one-third of the prison population." She proposed that the policy focus on specific categories of offenders to maximise its impact, especially those who pose minimal public safety risks. "We hope house arrest will apply to groups such as senior citizens (65 and above), women, and those with chronic illnesses." On enforcement, she expressed confidence in the Prisons Department, citing their existing systems for monitoring individuals on parole and those released with licence conditions. "I am sure the government is studying models from other countries that have successfully implemented home arrest," she added.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Vacant seats at Suhakam: Why Malaysia's human rights body needs new commissioners fast with only three holding the fort now
KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 — The dust may have settled on the vacancies in key judiciary posts, with new appointments announced swiftly just two weeks after the positions fell vacant. However, the wait continues for the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), which currently has only three active commissioners holding the fort. The commission is now waiting for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to present the list of candidates to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, for the appointments to be made. Suhakam secretary Altaf Deviyati said an independent selection committee has already proposed the names to the prime minister. The national human rights body began experiencing a significant gap after seven commissioners completed their terms on June 21. The three remaining commissioners include Suhakam's chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus, vice-chairman Tengku Mohamed Fauzi Tengku Abdul Hamid and Chief Children Commissioner Dr Farah Nini Dusuki. However, Tengku Mohamed Fauzi is also slated to complete his term next month, on August 24. 'The law does not provide for a specific timeline to fill the vacancies. 'In fact, it is worth recalling that when the previous chairman (Datuk Rahmat Mohamad) resigned (in August 2023), it took more than 10 months before the current chairman was appointed,' Altaf told Malay Mail, when contacted recently. Suhakam's secretary Altaf Deviyati. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon How are Suhakam commissioners appointed? Suhakam was established by the Parliament under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999. It functions as an independent statutory body that reports directly to the Parliament. A Cabinet minister will usually table Suhakam's annual report and the Parliament decides if it should be debated. Section 5(1) of the Act states that the commission shall consist of a maximum of twenty members (commissioners). However, according to Suhakam's website, the number of commissioners has been fewer than 10 since the 2010-2013 term. In 2023, an amendment to the Act required Suhakam to have a minimum of seven commissioners. The amendment also introduced a new section 6A, which requires a Chief Children Commissioner and two Children Commissioners to be appointed to address human rights matters related to children. Each commissioner will serve a three-year term and is eligible to be reappointed only once for another three years. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong appoints the commissioners, based on the recommendations put forth by the prime minister. The King will also designate one of the commissioners as Suhakam's chairman. However, the prime minister is required to consult a five-member committee (as stated in Section 11A) before tendering his advice to the King. The five-member committee is chaired by the Chief Secretary to the Government and includes Suhakam's chairman and three other members of the civil society appointed by the prime minister. The three civil society members may include former judges and past Suhakam commissioners, but cannot include individuals involved in active politics or serving as enforcement officers. Section 5(5) of the Act also empowers the prime minister to assess the performance of Suhakam's commissioners, which will be taken into consideration when he advises the King to reappoint or remove a commissioner. Why do the vacancies need to be filled urgently? Altaf said a stretched workforce limits Suhakam's public engagement as the body requires a diverse pool of experts as commissioners to handle the various aspects of human rights. Section 7(4) of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 also requires Suhakam to make decisions by consensus, failing which it is required to be decided by a two-thirds majority of the existing commissioners. The quorum required for all Suhakam meetings is also two-thirds of the existing commissioners. While the vacancies do not hinder Suhakam's core functions such as conducting public inquiries, Altaf said that allowing the situation to prolong will not bode well for Suhakam's sustainability in the long run. She added the current commissioners have also decided not to formulate any new policies until the new batch of commissioners arrive. 'This is by custom, because it's only fair to wait for the new commissioners to formulate policies (on human rights) for the government and take collective decisions on certain matters,' she said. On a brighter note, Altaf expects to see more commissioners on board this term since the 2023 amendment requires Suhakam to have three full-time commissioners for children. 'To leave the vacancies unfilled too long won't be in the interest of the government, Suhakam or the public because it hinders our ability to take on more work,' she added.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Govt approves RM14.39 mln grant for Suhakam's 2023 operations
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has approved a RM14.39 million grant to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) for its 2023 operational expenses. Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying confirmed this as the highest amount ever allocated to the commission. 'The grant is intended to cover operating expenses, fixed allowance of Suhakam Commissioner, emoluments, operations rental, utilities, implementation of Suhakam's annual programmes and activities, as well as the purchase of assets such as vehicles on a one-off basis,' said Lim during the Dewan Rakyat session. She added that the funding decision was based on the 2023 Budget review, Suhakam's expenditure performance, and the government's financial capacity at the time. The allocation ensures Suhakam can continue fulfilling its mandate since its establishment in 2000. Lim also acknowledged proposals from MPs William Leong Jee Keen (PH-Selayang) and Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) to increase Suhakam's funding. 'The government will consider appropriate allocations based on current financial capacity,' she stated. 'Since the establishment of Suhakam in 2000, the government has never failed to provide allocations. The government is always committed to ensuring that Suhakam can operate and fulfil its establishment objectives,' Lim emphasised. - Bernama
Barnama
5 days ago
- Politics
- Barnama
SUHAKAM 2024 Report To Be Tabled In Parliament's Final Session
KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- The 2024 Annual Report of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) is expected to be tabled during the Dewan Rakyat's final sitting this year, marking a step toward ensuring timely submissions from 2026 onwards. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran said SUHAKAM is currently finalising the report, with improvements underway to streamline coordination and reporting processes. 'These include enhancing account closure and audit procedures in collaboration with the National Audit Department,' he said when winding up debate on SUHAKAM's 2023 annual report and financial statement today.
