The government is in discussions to allow the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) immediate access to detention depots and other detention facilities.
PETALING JAYA: The government is in discussions to allow the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) immediate access to detention depots and other detention facilities, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran said talks are ongoing with relevant agencies and stakeholders, and a formal position on the matter is expected to be finalised soon.
“There are some countries, and we do not have to look far, where human rights institutions have immediate access to detention depots. This is something we need to achieve,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat.
Kulasegaran said the proposal had long been under consideration, including during Pakatan Harapan’s time in opposition, particularly due to regulatory limitations that currently prevent Suhakam from carrying out immediate inspections in some cases.
He added that although Suhakam does not presently have immediate access, it is still able to conduct public inquiries and issue recommendations as part of its oversight role.
“Even if immediate entry is not allowed, there are public hearings that can provide checks and balances and make certain recommendations,” he said.
Kulasegaran was responding to Teresa Kok (PH–Seputeh), who questioned why Suhakam commissioners often face delays when seeking access to prisons, immigration detention centres and police lock-ups.
Kok also pointed out that the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission is allowed immediate access to such facilities and asked whether similar powers should be extended to Suhakam to strengthen accountability.
She further raised concerns over Suhakam’s funding, adding that the commission received RM14.39 million in government allocation this year, while commissioners receive allowances of RM6,000 plus an additional RM1,000 from the government.
Kok suggested that the allocation appeared low relative to Suhakam’s mandate and responsibilities.
In response, Kulasegaran said the government has a responsibility to ensure Suhakam is adequately funded so it can operate independently and effectively.
He said Suhakam is also permitted to receive financial contributions from individuals and organisations for human rights awareness and educational activities, subject to approval.
However, he added that under existing laws, the commission is not empowered to impose charges for training or services to offset operational costs.
Kulasegaran said Kok’s suggestion to amend the relevant Act to allow Suhakam to generate additional income would be studied in detail, taking into account international standards such as the Paris Principles and Suhakam’s mandate.
Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly Jusoh (PN–Besut) later questioned whether Suhakam’s budget had been reduced, comparing it with other government expenditure cuts.
Kulasegaran said Suhakam had applied for exemption from budget cuts and was awaiting a decision from the Finance Ministry.
“We are also having discussions with the Finance Ministry and we hope the amount to be allocated will be higher than last year,” he said.
