The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has awarded special recognition to Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Paul Low Seng Kuan in conjunction with Suhakam's Human Rights Awards Ceremony 2016.

In a statement in Putrajaya today, Suhakam chairperson Razali Ismail said such special recognition was to honour Low who had made an outstanding contribution and demonstrated excellence in the protection and promotion of human rights within the intricate structures of government.

"In conjunction with Suhakam's Human Rights Awards Ceremony 2016, six other recipients who have shown unwavering dedication to advancing human rights in Malaysia are also honoured," he said.

The recipients in six categories for the Suhakam Human Rights Awards 2016 are Dr Madhusudhan Shammugam (individual award) who formed the Teddy Mobile Clinic to provide free medical care to the homeless in Kuala Lumpur; Malaysia Handicraft Development Corporation (government agency award) for its effort to promote socio-economic progress for local communities; Stephen Then Vui Fah (print media award) for his effort in writing about those marginalised with a view to promoting equality for all; Boo Su-Lyn (media award) for her extraordinary reporting, especially on human rights issues; Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad (business entity award) for its noble initiative to promote career development for persons with disabilities by employing them; and Centre for Environment, Technology and Development Malaysia (Cetdem) for civil society organisation award for its continous effort and active involvement in promoting and protecting human rights through initiatives that seek to create and sustain a clean and healthy environment for all.

Razali said Suhakam hoped Malaysia's national commitment to human rights would be remembered and celebrated by all Malaysians in an engaged and participative manner.

- Bernama