Malaysia Considers Granting Suhakam Immediate Access to Detention Centers

The Malaysian government is currently reviewing a proposal that would grant the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) immediate access to detention centers. This initiative seeks to bolster the monitoring capabilities of the national human rights body. Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), M. Kulasegaran, stated that discussions have been held with relevant agencies and stakeholders to address current regulations that impede Suhakam's visits to locations such as prisons, immigration detention depots, and police lock-ups.

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Discussions have been and are being held with agencies and relevant parties. I am also informed that a stance on this will be made soon.

"Discussions have been and are being held with agencies and relevant parties. I am also informed that a stance on this will be made soon," Kulasegaran mentioned in the Dewan Rakyat. He clarified that while Suhakam does not currently have instant access to detention depots, it possesses the authority to oversee proceedings during public hearings. "They are also allowed to make specific recommendations, and this shows that checks and balances are still in place," he added.

Kulasegaran further emphasized the government's responsibility to provide adequate funding for human rights institutions to operate independently and effectively. This aligns with the Paris Principles, which set international standards for national human rights institutions. He noted that Subsection 19(1) of the Suhakam Act 1999 mandates the government to provide sufficient annual funding. Additionally, Subsection 19(3) allows Suhakam to receive financial contributions from individuals or organizations to promote awareness and education on human rights, subject to the commission's approval.

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They are also allowed to make specific recommendations, and this shows that checks and balances are still in place.

However, the Suhakam Act 1999 does not grant the commission the power to impose fees for human rights training to cover costs. "Efforts to empower Suhakam will continue to be strengthened so that they can carry out their roles and responsibilities independently, effectively, and in line with international standards," Kulasegaran concluded.

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Efforts to empower Suhakam will continue to be strengthened so that they can carry out their roles and responsibilities independently, effectively, and in line with international standards.