Human rights organisations have come out to say that Malaysia is a "wholly unsuitable" candidate for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Following an announcement declaring the country's intentions to run for the 2018-2020 UNHRC term, UK-based Article 19 and Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) said the country has to "reverse" its crackdown on free expression first.

"Article 19 and Suaram consider that Malaysia’s record on human rights makes it a wholly unsuitable candidate for UN Human Rights Council membership, following the announcement of its intention to run for the term 2018 to 2020 and public pledge...