SUHAKAM has reminded Pakatan Harapan to make good on its election promise to take the human rights body’s recommendations and proposals seriously in the interest of transparency in its administration.

Its chairman, Othman Hashim, told The Malaysian Insight that PH in its election manifesto pledged to debate the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) annual report in Parliament so that its proposals and recommendations will receive the appropriate attention.

“We hope that the government will follow through on this,” Othman said.

Suhakam recognises the challenges faced by the government to fulfil its commitments but the manifesto must be adhered to, he said.

“However, that is not to say that there are no challenges. We are still waiting for progress on the reforms and amendments to the Suhakam Act as per the PH manifesto. 

“We have already made our submissions to the Institutional Reforms Committee and the relevant government agencies.”

Othman said it’s important that Suhakam remains independent and impartial as a statutory body in Malaysia. 

“It is not just for our accreditation as an international human rights body but also for the protection of human rights in Malaysia.

“So we will continue to monitor and advocate for these legal amendments.”

Suhakam remains determined and steadfast carrying out its role of promoting and addressing human rights issues in Malaysia, he said.

“We will continue to work with the government and other stakeholders to pursue human rights as a necessity in the social, political and economic development of Malaysia.”

He added that Suhakam will continue to be a check and balance against the government no matter who is in power. 

“We are an independent statutory body with a mandate to protect and promote human rights for all.

“Nevertheless it is also incumbent on the government to want to engage with Suhakam on human rights issues.” – September 4, 2019.