Suhakam says open for discussion as staffers plan picket

 

Suhakam said it is open for discussion, amid a dispute with its staff over pay and human resource policies.

This comes as its staff members plan to hold a picket outside the human rights commission’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow morning.

The commission assured it is independent and is committed to upholding the Paris Principles – a set of guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of national human rights institutions.

At the same time, the commission said it is also guided by the government’s operational framework, particularly those on governance, human resource management, and emolument.

“Suhakam is still studying the adaptability of the government’s new emolument scheme and is engaged with the relevant agencies.

“It is also in line with Suhakam’s overall organisational restructuring programme that began in 2024, this initiative is aimed at bolstering organisational efficiency and ensuring equitable opportunities for all employees.

“Suhakam is open to discussion, especially on how to best safeguard the interest of our employees and remains unwavering in our commitment to fostering a positive, collaborative work environment,” it said in a statement today.

Last night, Suhakam’s interim union president Elza Nadiah Shaik Sulaiman told Malaysiakini it is protesting three issues:

• An announcement that three deputy secretaries were being given salary increments.

• Another announcement that the same deputy secretaries have a different performance evaluation system compared to other Suhakam officials.

• Suhakam purportedly denying workers’ participation in the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA).

She claimed there was a lack of transparency despite repeated attempts by staff members to seek explanations.

“We asked, why did these three people get promoted? Then we asked, why are they using a different system?

“So I see this issue as a form of discrimination,” she said. - Mkini