KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran has praised the recent approval of the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Amendment) Bill 2023 by the Dewan Negara.
He said: "The amendments to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 represent a significant milestone in our efforts to fortify the role and functions of Suhakam.
"These amendments will serve to empower Suhakam in its mission to safeguard the rights of all individuals within Malaysia."
Under the new amendments, he said Suhakam's powers and functions will be further strengthened, ensuring its ability to effectively address human rights issues, including those concerning children.
"The criteria set forth for the appointment of Suhakam members, particularly their non-involvement with any political party, will ensure the independence and impartiality of the commission,"
"This is crucial for Suhakam to operate transparently and without undue influence." he added.
Furthermore, Kulasegaran said the establishment of a Code of Conduct and an Investigation Tribunal for Suhakam members will enhance accountability and transparency within the commission's operations.
"These amendments solidify Suhakam's position as a cornerstone of human rights protection in Malaysia,"
"With these enhancements, we are confident that Suhakam will be better equipped to fulfill its mandate and serve the people effectively." he said.