Suaram calls for dedicated human rights ministry

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) has raised the idea of establishing a Human Rights Ministry in the country.

During the launch of its Human Rights Report 2024, the rights group’s executive director, Sevan Doraisamy, emphasised the importance of ensuring the ministry’s independence and authority.

“The power given to that particular ministry (of human rights) shouldn’t be (just) on paper. It has to have the power to push the other ministries and the government to have a better human rights situation in Malaysia,” he said.

He stressed the need for a clear and effective mechanism to empower the proposed ministry, enabling it to advocate for systemic changes and act decisively.

“Right now, we have some (human rights) development within a ministry. For example, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry or the Human Resources Ministry on issues related to migrant workers.

“But (up to a point), it has to go back to the Home Ministry. That is where the stumbling block is… We don’t want that,” Sevan explained.

Slight decrease in cases

The Suaram’s Malaysia Human Rights Report 2024 also noted a slight decrease in cases under the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA).

Presenting the data, Suaram’s documentation and monitoring coordinator Jernell Tan highlighted a modest reduction of four Sedition Act cases between 2023 and 2024.

“In 2024, there were 23 cases under the Sedition Act. Of these, 12 were investigated, five resulted in arrests, another five led to charges, and one individual was sentenced,” she explained.

“In contrast, 2023 saw 27 cases, with 11 individuals investigated, 13 arrested, and three charged. No sentences were recorded under the act that year,” Tan added.

Similarly, cases under Section 233 of the CMA saw a minor drop, with 94 recorded in 2024 compared to 97 in 2023.

“Of the 94 cases in 2024, 63 were investigated, 17 led to arrests, three resulted in charges, and ten individuals were sentenced,” Tan detailed.

Key trends in misconduct and enforcement

While the decrease in case numbers might seem promising, the report warned against viewing it as significant progress due to ongoing misuse of these laws.

The report observed a shift in the focus of Sedition Act cases, with royal-related content accounting for the highest proportion of cases at 11, followed by eight government-related cases and four religion-related cases.

Notably, no race-related investigations were reported under the Sedition Act in 2024.

For Section 233 of the CMA, cases involving race, religion, and royalty (3R-related content) surged, making up 65.6 percent of cases in 2024, compared to 46.4 percent in 2023.

Targeting critics and journalists

The report also highlighted the continued misuse of the Sedition Act and CMA provisions against journalists, activists, and critics.

One example cited was the Sedition Act investigation against Borneo Komrad founder Mukmin Nantang for exposing the eviction of the Bajau Laut community in Semporna by Sabah authorities.

Additionally, three Malaysiakini journalists were summoned by police for reporting on a potential leadership reshuffle within Bukit Aman, who warned of action against anyone spreading unverified information on social media.

“This regressive move implies that the police force sees itself as ‘above scrutiny’, undermining the role of journalists in promoting transparency and accountability. Such actions create a chilling effect on press freedom,” the report stated.

Abolish now, or regret later

Concluding the report launch, Sevan called on the government to abolish the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) and the Sedition Act.

“For us, Sosma needs to go. Our advocacy continues,” Sevan stated.

He also highlighted the Sedition Act’s colonial history, pointing out that despite introducing the law to Malaya in 1948, the British had since abolished the law.

Sevan then reminded the government of its previous stance when in the opposition.

“Many members of the current administration and Parliament once stood with us, advocating for the abolition of the Sedition Act. They rallied behind the cause, but now they justify its use, claiming it’s limited to 3R (race, religion, and royalty) matters,” he said.

He cautioned against the continued use of such laws, warning of potential repercussions.

“Remember, if you lose power, the next government might use the Sedition Act against you. This is your best opportunity to abolish it,” he urged.

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