THE Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has suggested that societies, including political parties, be registered and regulated by an independent body.

The statement by the rights body comes after the Registrar of Societies (Ros) rejected the applications of Dr Mahathir Mohamed-led Pejuang and Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman-led Muda to formalise their status as political parties.

Suhakam said an independent body would guarantee impartiality and neutrality in the registration and regulation of societies.

It said Putrajaya must review the Societies Act 1966 as it “contains provisions which may be deemed as inconsistent with the principles of human rights, particularly the right to freedom of association”.

Suhakam said freedom of association was a fundamental liberty guaranteed under Article 10(1)(c) of the Federal Constitution and Article20(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Suhakam said it had previously recommended reforms to the Societies Act, including:

* the proportionate exercise of powers by RoS for the purpose of the said Act,

* the review on the absolute discretion of the minister to declare a society unlawful,

* the provision of a time frame for RoS to process an application and communicate the decision, and

* the obligation for RoS to give reasons for declining or not responding to an application for registration of associations.

Suhakam said it is ready to assist the government in reviewing the act in line “with the Federal Constitution and the spirit of democracy”.

Meanwhile, Muda said is was mulling legal options to challenge the RoS rejection.

Syed Saddiq had said earlier that there is no solid reason for RoS to reject the application as the freedom to establish a society and to take part in the democratic process is a basic right for every Malaysian as stated in the constitution.

Pejuang is also likely tp appeal to the Home Ministry to reconsider the decision. – January 9, 2021.