Malaysia: SUHAKAM welcomes promise to repeal restrictive laws

The Prime Minister's promise to repeal several restrictive laws, including the Internal Security Act (ISA), is a positive move that will improve the human rights situation in the country, according to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM).

SUHAKAM chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam said the commission warmly welcomed the move to annul the existing Proclamations of Emergency; repeal the ISA and the Banishment Act; and review the Restricted Residence Act, the Printing Presses and Publications Act and the Police Act.

“It is very much in keeping with his pledge to comprehensively review the ISA when he assumed office in 2009,” Hasmy told The Star Online.

However, he said the commission hoped the Government would also renew efforts towards acceding to core human rights instruments. Malaysia has currently ratified three, with reservations.

Hasmy urged the Government to ensure that it complied with international human rights principles and norms when enacting new laws, especially the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

He said a parliamentary select committee on human rights should be established for more informed and focused deliberations on human rights issues.

Read SUHAKAM’s press release welcoming the proposed legislative changes.

Date: 17 September 2011