The Human Rights Commission was set up following the gazetting of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 on Sept 9, 1999.

In addition to protecting and promoting human rights in Malaysia, the functions and powers of the commission include advising and assisting the government in formulating legislation and administrative directives and procedures as well as recommend the necessary measures to be taken.

The commission may also recommend to the government the subscription of accession of treaties and other international instruments in the field of human rights.

To be assisted by a secretariat which would have facilities for investigations, legal advice, administration and public relations services, the commission would be required to submit an annual report to Parliament on its various activities in the course of the year.

The commission will have a 13-member panel headed by the chairman, of which every member may hold office for a period of two years and is eligible for reappointment.

The commission would be temporarily housed at the Foreign Ministry.