KUALA LUMPUR: The government will establish a Special Task Force on Institutional Reform comprising stakeholders.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the task force will conduct a cross-sectoral study and propose institutional reforms that will be tabled to the cabinet.
"To broaden the engagement of this special task force as wide as possible, it will engage with civil society organisations and the public, and they may submit their recommendations directly to us via the task force," she said in a speech at the 2022 Human Rights Forum themed "Strengthening and Enhancing Human Rights Towards Leaving No One Behind" here today.
She said the ministry would propose to the cabinet the setting up of a law commission in Malaysia, which will be independent from the Attorney-General's Chambers.
"It will enable the commission to engage with a broad spectrum of talent, not just within the legal field, but also among sociologists, scientists and the business community, to propose reforms to the necessary laws for them to be fit for the purpose and time."
She said the government will look into strengthening the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) to improve human rights in the country.
She said this could be done by expanding the functions and powers of Suhakam.
"We intend to provide it with the necessary institutional strength to further promote and uphold human rights in Malaysia so that it can be done in a more effective and efficient manner.
"This will include appointing people from diverse backgrounds as much as possible and those with appropriate experience and knowledge on human rights into Suhakam.
"A further review will be done on the present funding arrangement to preserve Suhakam's independence.
"With their (Suhakam's) conviction, collaboration and support, we will strive to ensure that this unity government will commit to act upon recommendations from Suhakam."
She said Suhakam, as a national human rights institution, is a vital entity to ensure the consistent promotion and protection of human rights.
She said the previous federal administration's efforts will continue, including the abolishment of the mandatory death penalty, which will be replaced with appropriate alternative sentences.