The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is concerned that Budget 2024 does not sufficiently address several issues.

It noted while the spending plan aims to strengthen the national economy, it also seeks to empower a number of vulnerable groups with funds to bolster women’s participation in the labour force, strengthen social protections for senior citizens, enhance access to education, and increase provisions for the disabled.

“Nonetheless, Suhakam is concerned whether the budget can sufficiently address the continuing impact of Covid-19, rise of urban poor, shrinking of middle class and rising cost
of living,” it said in a statement.

“Suhakam strongly recommends that the government include adequate provision to facilitate comprehensive data collection, and planning and implementation of programmes to effectively address issues relating to statelessness, preferably under the portfolio of a specific government agency.”

Suhakam said the national budget is the government’s most significant economic policy and central to the realisation of human rights.

“It should reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and social justice. 

“Suhakam anticipates the budget is executed and provisioned amicably, in a way that respects, protects, and fulfils the enjoyment of human rights of all people, leaving no one behind.”

It said it looks forward to the being involved in the drafting process of the budget in the years to come. 

“This level of involvement in the national financial blueprint underpins the fight for social justice, empowering the civil economy, and places a significant emphasis on an inclusive growth strategy.”

Suhakam praised the budget which places strong emphasis on human rights aspects in connection with the environment, education, health, law and legal reform, food security, jobs, community support, and social security.  
 
Suhakam also commended the Finance Ministry initiative called “Jelajah Belanjawan 2024”. The tour, which took place from August to September stopped at numerous states and included engagement sessions with industry, non-governmental organisations, and local communities. – October 15, 2023.