KUALA LUMPUR, 24 March 2009: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) (Amendment) Bill 2009, tabled for first reading in Dewan Rakyat today, will ensure more transparency in the appointment of members.
The Suhakam bill was tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz.
It proposed that members appointed should be individuals with a multi- religious, multi-political and multi-racial background who have the knowledge or experience in human rights.
A Suhakam member would be allowed to hold the post for three years and could only be re-appointed once for another three years.
The appointments should be made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the recommendation of the Prime Minister based on discussions with a committee set up for the purpose.
The committee would include the Chief Secretary to the government as chairperson, the Suhakam chairperson and three members comprising respected figures appointed by the prime minister.
The three members could include former judges and former Suhakam members.
It also stated that those active in politics and registered with political parties and were enforcement officers could not be appointed committee members.
However, the prime minister was not bound by the views and proposals made by the committee. – Bernama
