The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) today urged the government to take the lead and ratify the United Nations Convention Against Torture (Uncat) as Asean chair.
In a closed-door, high-level dialogue on the prevention of torture, organised by Suhakam, its chairman Hishamudin Yunus said the chairmanship presented an opportunity to demonstrate regional leadership by highlighting the bloc’s core values.
“By prioritising torture prevention and acceding to Uncat, Malaysia can set an example for the bloc.
“Let us be clear here, this is not simply about legal technicalities. It is about creating a society where no individual, regardless of background or circumstances, is subjected to abuse while in custody or detention, and to align our domestic laws with international norms and our own Federal Constitution and spiritual values,” he told reporters ahead of the dialogue.
Hishamudin also noted that 175 countries had already ratified the convention, while Malaysia, alongside other Asean countries such as Singapore and Brunei, were among the 20 that had not.
He said that ratification of the convention could open the door to foreign investments as it could increase Malaysia’s international standing.
Danish ambassador to Malaysia, Kristine Vangkilde, said her country had seen many benefits since ratifying the convention in 1987.
“Uncat has proven to be a useful tool towards continuously strengthening the rule of law, police and law enforcement, as well as our efforts towards adapting laws, policies and practices to support our continued efforts towards the fight against torture,” she said.
She encouraged Putrajaya to continue its dialogue and collaboration with the Convention Against Torture initiative for a potential ratification of the act in the future.
UN human rights high commissioner Volker Turk said ratification of the convention would not only build on Malaysia’s recent progress in human rights but also allow the government to reform other laws and policies in need of change.
Turk said by initiating the accession process to the convention, Malaysia would have the opportunity to reform its laws and policies in several related areas including laws on the death penalty, prison reforms and prohibiting and criminalising corporate punishment.
