Suhakam to be represented by its secretary at human rights dialogue

Suhakam is still functioning with its secretary, Cheah Swee Neo, acting as the head in the interim period.

PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) may be represented by its secretary at a national, high-level dialogue on business and human rights on Monday.

Its secretary, Cheah Swee Neo, currently oversees the functions and programmes of the commission, a spokesperson told FMT.

“We still attend meetings and programmes. Currently, our secretary is in charge, assisted by three deputy secretaries.

“Suhakam is still functioning with Cheah acting as the head in the interim period,” she said.

Suhakam recently came under the spotlight when critiques noted the delay in appointing new commissioners for the 2019-2022 tenure.

The tenure of the seven Suhakam commissioners, who sit at the very top of the organisation, came to an end on April 25.

Closing date for applications for new commissioners was last November and a selection committee had met earlier this year.

The Legal Affairs Division at the Prime Minister’s Department, Suhakam and the United Nations Development Programme will be jointly organising the National High-Level Dialogue on Business and Human Rights.

The dialogue serves as a follow-up to Malaysia’s participation at the recent inaugural UN South Asia Forum on Business and Human Rights held in New Delhi last year. - FMT