KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — A group of Malaysia’s former human rights commissioners accused the government today of shirking its statutory duty to protect fundamental rights.
In a hard-hitting statement, Proham secretary-general Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria said it was “unacceptable”, “unbelievable” and “unbecoming” of the government to take an axe to the efforts of the 17-year-old Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and demanded a stop to such measures.
“It is of the utmost importance that the work of Suhakam is not undermined but enhanced in accordance to international human rights standards,” Denison said.
He noted the government had halved Suhakam’s annual budget to just RM5 million, confined its promotional and protection work to just the Klang Valley, instead of nationwide coverage, and even left the statutory body without commissioners.
“The budget cut by 50 per cent is unacceptable as RM10 to RM12 million annually is a very small sum in light of the total federal spending.
“It is unbelievable that the government is unable to find the additional funds which it is obligated to provide,” he said.
He also urged Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low to clarify a parliamentary reply in which the government reportedly said the geographical spread of Suhakam’s promotional and protection work will be narrowed down to just the Klang valley.
Denison reminded the government that it also has a “duty” to appoint new commissioners to replace the outgoing team led by Tan Sri Hasmy Agam before the expiry of their term this year.
“This failure to comply with human rights standards and obligations is reflective of the low priority placed on human rights by the current administration,” he said.
He pointed out that Malaysia has played an active role worldwide through its seat on the United Nations’ Security Commission and its Human Rights Commission.
Suhakam’s shaky position came to light last month when its outgoing chief Hasmy was reported by The Star as saying its funds were dwindling and the commission may even shut down by October unless it could cover its annual fund of RM13 million needed for rental, commissioners’ allowances, wages for its 80 staff members across the country, and to fund its travels and programmes.
Section 19 of the Suhakam Act 1999 stipulates that the federal government shall provide Suhakam “with adequate funds annually” to enable it to discharge its functions, and it shall not receive any foreign funds.
Suhakam was established as a national human rights institution by Parliament to educate the public on human rights, attend to complaints and carry out inquiries among others.
