Malaysia commemorates Human Rights Day 2024

The Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU JPM), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra), United Nations in Malaysia and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) jointly commemorated Human Rights Day with a Forum following the theme, “Empowering Our Rights, Securing Our Future: Business Responsibility for People and Nation”.

The programme was inaugurated by Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform). In her official remarks, she emphasized that celebration of Human Rights Day serves as a reminder of the vital role we play in promoting and protecting human rights. The initiatives the Government has undertaken, ranging from the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights to expanding access to justice through legal aid, alternative dispute resolution, advancing transparency with the development of a Freedom of Information law, strengthening SUHAKAM through the amendments to the SUHAKAM Act 1999 [Act 597] and making our cyberspace safe. These initiatives demonstrate the government’s steadfast commitment to upholding human rights and fostering a more just society. 

SUHAKAM Chairman, Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamudin Md. Yunus, in his welcoming address, mentioned that “human rights are not mere aspirations, but obligations rooted in our Federal Constitution, international commitments, and shared humanity.” Further, he stated that in our interconnected global economy, businesses hold immense potential to drive positive change. However, they also carry a profound responsibility to ensure their growth and operations do not come at the cost of human dignity.”

In her opening speech, Karima El Korri, UN Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam emphasized that Human rights hold particular significance for countries like Malaysia, aspiring for High-Income status, and where many of the pressing rights challenges align closely with last mile development priorities. Achieving human rights and the SDGs requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, with businesses playing a crucial role. Moreover, by adopting rights-compliant strategies, businesses not only uphold ethical standards but also unlock tangible commercial benefits.

The forum featured an engaging panel discussion on business and human rights, moderated by Dr. Punitha Silivarajoo, Deputy Director General (Policy and Development) at BHEUU. The panel included YM Tengku Fauzi Tengku Abdul Hamid (SUHAKAM Vice Chair), Ms. Shireen Jasmin Ali (Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry), Ms. Luanne Sieh (CIMB Group), and Ms. Siti Nur Alina (PETRONAS). Contributions via video messages were provided by Mr. Edmund Bon, ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Representative, and Dr. Pichamon Yeopanthong, Chairperson of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights.

The Forum also witnessed the launching ceremony of SUHAKAM Human Rights Module for Educators by YB Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) and the unveiling of core human rights treaties and the Geneva Conventions in Bahasa Melayu by Yang Berbahagia Amb. Dato’ Bala Chandran Tharman, Deputy Secretary General (Multilateral Affairs), Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In his closing remarks, Dato’ Bala Chandran Tharman highlighted Malaysia’s achievements in the Human Rights Council, including efforts to protect marginalised groups, advocate for the cause of Palestinians and implement recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to advancing human rights including women’s empowerment, child safety in the digital space and protections for older persons.

The Forum was attended by over 800 participants from the Government, diplomatic corps, youth, academia, the private sector and civil society organisations.

Jointly Prepared by:

LEGAL AFFAIRS DIVISION, PRIME MINISTER’S DEPARTMENT

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA

UNITED NATIONS IN MALAYSIA