The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has called on Putrajaya to ensure that Budget 2018 will provide adequate funding to essential areas to facilitate good human rights standards.

"The national budget is core to the country’s national policy and planning, and the government must manifest clear commitment to various aspects of the realisation of human rights in this budget," said Suhakam chairperson Razali Ismail.

Razali said priority must be given to critical areas such as healthcare, housing, employment, as well as education for children – for Malaysians and non-Malaysians alike.

Certain communities, such as indigenous people and the disabled, will also require funds, he added, as would periodic health screenings and immunisation for national enforcement personnel.

Razali also said that there should be enough financial resources to assist refugees and asylum seekers, as well as to ensure detention centres are in good condition.

Suhakam had previously highlighted the deplorable conditions of certain detention centres, which had even caused police officers guarding the facility to become infected with tuberculosis.

In recent years, the commission itself has also grappled with budget cuts.

Under Budget 2016, Suhakam's allocation was slashed almost 50 percent from RM10.98 million to RM5.51 million. This was restored the following year, however, with a RM10.12 million budgetary allocation.