Five Suhakam commissioners complete two service terms

 

Five Suhakam members completed their second term at the human rights commission yesterday.

They are Mah Weng Kwai, Jerald Joseph, Nik Salida Suhaila Nik Saleh, Lok Yim Pheng and Godfrey Gregory Joitol.

All five started their tenure as Suhakam commissioners in 2016 during then prime minister Najib Abdul Razak's administration.

Each term lasts three years. Section 5(4) of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 (Suhakam Act) does not allow a third term.

Four other commissioners completed their first term including Othman Hashim (outgoing chairperson), Madeline Berma, Mohd Hishamuddin Md Yunus and Noor Aziah Mohd Awal.

Putrajaya has yet to announce the list of replacement commissioners.

Suhakam members are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the recommendation of the prime minister in consultation with an appointment committee chaired by the chief secretary of the government.

According to Section 11 of the Suhakam Act, the committee must also consist of the chairperson of Suhakam and three members of civil society who have practical experience in human rights matters, appointed by the prime minister.

In previous cycles, there have been incidents where there will be a gap of several months before a new batch of commissioners is appointed. - Mkini