Amendments to Suhakam Act tabled

Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said the amendments included ensuring women made up at least 30% of Suhakam members. (Azalina Othman Said pic)

PETALING JAYA: The addition of a new section to the Suhakam Act, which states that the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) must be informed of actions taken following violations referred to it, is among the proposed amendments tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said the other amendments included ensuring that at least 30% of Suhakam members would consist of women and one person with disabilities.

“The proposed amendments also involve empowering the Office of the Children’s Commissioner (OCC) through the appointment of a chief children’s commissioner and two other children’s commissioners, in addition to granting additional powers to Suhakam to further enhance the protection of children’s rights in Malaysia,” she said in a statement.

“Through these proposed amendments, the unity government is confident that the human rights protection ecosystem in Malaysia will improve and Suhakam will be able to exercise its powers and functions more effectively.”

The bill’s second reading and debate are expected to be held on Wednesday.