Azalina mulls law amendment to empower Suhakam

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said has mulled amending the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 to give more bite to the commission.

At the closing of the Human Rights Day forum in Kuala Lumpur today, the de facto law minister said she will table a cabinet paper to empower Suhakam.

“We intend to look into strengthening Suhakam by amending the Suhakam Act, perhaps through the expansion of functions and powers of Suhakam, to provide it with the necessary institutional strength it requires to further promote and uphold human rights in Malaysia in a more effective and efficient manner.

“I need to get a green light or support in the cabinet meeting.

“Credence should also be accorded to Suhakam for being the national human rights institution for Malaysia. The presence of Suhakam is vital to ensure that the promotion and protection of human rights are consistently upheld in our country,” she said.

Azalina (above) added that Suhakam should not be just another government department but has a role to “babysit” every government agency.

When asked to divulge details on the proposed amendment to the Suhakam Act, Azalina said the latter needs to come up with its recommendations and submit them to the government.

"You have to ask Suhakam, they are the expert. I am (only in charge of the) policy," she said.

"I can't answer as I don't sit in the Suhakam. Secondly, having teeth is one thing, but whether (they want) false teeth, real teeth or toothless, let them decide," she said.

However, Azalina pointed out that the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 must also cover the witnesses who provide statements in Suhakam hearings.

On Dec 10, Suhakam chairperson Rahmat Mohamad demanded that the commission be given more power to promote and protect human rights in the country.

“Will the government be comfortable (with giving more power to Suhakam)? If the government is serious about maintaining human rights, then some power must be given. (But) is the government ready to do so?" he said in an interview with Free Malaysia Today.

Rahmat also wanted Suhakam to be given the power to conduct unannounced visits to detention centres and prisons.

Debate Suhakam report in Dewan Rakyat

He also urged the government to allow Suhakam reports to be debated in Parliament – a point that Azalina concurred with.

The Umno MP stressed the importance of the world viewing Malaysia the right way – in terms of human rights.

On another development, Azalina dismissed a call from an NGO to have two Umno politicians resign as Suhakam commissioners.

"I always believe in being innocent until proven guilty, so I don't agree that you judge people by their parties. Maybe you will say the law minister should not come from Umno too. You have to stop the perception of guilt.

"There is no harm being associated with a political party," she said.

In turn, Azalina said there was more harm to human rights if individuals with business links had joined Suhakam.

"If the people in Suhakam have some direct or indirect interest in business, then it may not function. This may be a bigger threat than political parties because businesses can also influence certain decisions," added Azalina, who is also Pengerang MP.

Earlier today, Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (Madpet) spokesperson Charles Hector urged two Suhakam commissioners to resign as they have links with Umno.

He said this was necessary to ensure Suhakam’s independence.

Two out of the eight Suhakam commissioners are politicians - Hasnal Rezua Merican (Selayang Umno deputy division head) and Nazira Abdul Rahim (Umno Kulim-Bandar Baharu division Women chief). The latter also serves as Bandar Baharu municipal councillor.

The duo got appointed to the posts in July.

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