THE Immigration Department must provide justification for travel bans as not doing so will be seen as an infringement on people’s right to freedom of movement, said Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman Razali Ismail.

“While Suhakam understands the complications of the current situation and matters relating to national interest, it advises that justification for travel prohibitions be provided, so as to underline the commitments of the country since the epochal change it has undergone,” he said in a statement.

It was reported that the Immigration Department, in a Facebook post last week, had confirmed blacklisting former prime minister Najib Razak and his wife, Rosmah Mansor.

Najib confirmed the travel ban on his Twitter account, saying he will respect the decision and remain in the country with his family.

Razali said given that the Immigration Act 1959/63 does not establish the conditions under which the right to freedom of movement may be limited, it is, thus, at the discretion of the Immigration director-general to decide on the matter.

“Suhakam is calling for a reform of the law in line with international standards and the commitments of the new government to human rights and the rule of law.” – May 16, 2018.