Kuala lumpur: The Dewan Rakyat today proposed several improvements to strengthen human rights protection, including the enactment of a new law to regulate refugee affairs and empowering the statutory authority of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, during the debate on the motion on SUHAKAM's 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statement, several Members of Parliament also raised other proposals, including requiring ministries and government agencies to provide official responses to SUHAKAM's recommendations, increasing financial allocations and improving complaint monitoring mechanisms for more effective resolution.
Khoo Poay Tiong (PH-Kota Melaka) proposed that the government review the SUHAKAM Act to strengthen the commission's statutory powers, including allowing it to conduct investigations without prior notice, obtain wider access to documents and information, and enhance the effectiveness of its monitoring functions. He said nearly 60 per cent of the 1,074 complaints received by SUHAKAM in 2024 were still under investigation or awaiting feedback from relevant agencies, and urged every ministry and agency to provide official responses to the commission's recommendations.
Meanwhile, Datuk Dr Richard Rapu @ Aman Anak Begri (GPS-Betong) noted the increase in complaints received by SUHAKAM from 649 in 2023 to 1,074 in 2024, with most involving issues related to refugees, documentation, and citizenship. He proposed the establishment of an inter-ministerial resolution mechanism involving the Home Ministry (KDN), National Registration Department, Immigration Department, Royal Malaysia Police, and SUHAKAM, while making complaint resolution rates a key performance indicator (KPI).
Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau (UPKO-Tuaran) proposed that the government enact a 'Malaysia Refugee Act' as a comprehensive legal framework to regulate refugee management in the country, including matters related to registration, documentation, rights and responsibilities of refugees, as well as government jurisdiction. He highlighted the absence of specific legislation to regulate refugee issues, which are currently managed by administrative policies that may change with different governments.
Issues relating to prisons and detention centres were also raised, with concerns over overcrowded facilities, ageing infrastructure, deaths in custody, and the welfare of detainees and inmates being discussed. Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi) questioned the effectiveness of outdated inmate rehabilitation modules, which have not been updated for more than 15 years, resulting in recidivism among former inmates, especially drug addicts.
RSN Rayer (PH-Jelutong) raised concerns about deaths in custody and at training centres operated by the military, police, and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, emphasizing that such incidents should not continue. Meanwhile, Teresa Kok (PH-Seputeh) proposed the establishment of a special committee to review and simplify the citizenship application process, particularly for children and young people who are stateless due to parental negligence.
A total of 21 government and Opposition MPs participated in the debate, with winding-up speeches by the ministries involved scheduled for tomorrow. Earlier, the motion was tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who urged attention to the recommendations, views, and proposals in the report. She acknowledged SUHAKAM's role and described ongoing reforms as steps to strengthen its functions in addressing complex human rights issues.
According to Azalina, the annual report highlighted various issues involving workers' rights, vulnerable groups, children, women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, as well as social and economic issues requiring attention. She affirmed the government's commitment to studying SUHAKAM's recommendations and enhancing cooperation with all ministries, agencies, and stakeholders to promote and protect human rights in line with Malaysia MADANI's aspirations.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting will resume tomorrow.