The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) is an independent body governed by Act 597 (the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999), the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Leo Michael Toyad reiterated the independence of Suhakam, which is also required to submit a report to Parliament annually.

"Suhakam has a role to educate the people on human rights awareness. It has held numerous dialogues with ministries, political parties and non-governmental organisations," Toyad said in reply to a question from Tan Kok Wai (DAP-Cheras).

To an additional question from Tan on certain Suhakam members being awarded privatised projects by the government without going through an open tender, Toyad replied that the government "is unaware of such matters".

"It seems like you are still suspicious of Suhakam's independence. These accusations may be baseless and a personal matter," he told Tan.