Suhakam funding slashed in Budget 2016

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam says the commission will be in deficit by next November as its funding for 2016 has been reduced by almost 50%. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, November 16, 2015.The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is expecting to run on deficit by November next year after its funding was slashed by almost 50% in Budget 2016.

Suhakam chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam said in Budget 2015, the commission was allocated some RM10 million for operations, which has been reduced to RM5.5 million for next year.

"The current budget allocation will see the commission in deficit by November next year in just meeting fixed overall costs.

"This is without taking into account the commission's fixed expenses or the expenses for its programmes, which may result in an earlier deficit situation if  no additional funds are secured," he said in a statement today.

Hasmy said Suhakam had met with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuan to consider the impact and implications of Budget 2016 on the commission's ability to carry out its core functions, which was to protect and promote human rights in the country.

He said the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 (Act 597) required the government to provide the commission with adequate funds annually to enable it to discharge its functions under the Act.

"Suhakam has carried out this statutory mandate diligently and to good effect for the past 15 years by setting its priorities according to a legislatively defined mandate and with sufficient budgetary allocations from the government through Parliament.

"This has resulted in the commission maintaining its 'A' status by the International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions (ICC), among others.

"While recognising that the current economic downturn creates a context of reduced finances available to the public sector, the commission is concerned that its statutory functions may be rendered almost meaningless, or the exercise of its powers substantially limited, if it does not have the financial means to operate effectively."

He said Low assured Suhakam's budget allocation would be reconsidered so as to place human rights on the government's list of top priorities.

He expressed hope that Parliament could guarantee an adequate level of funding to the Commission to protecting its independence, especially now that the the Commission is undergoing its re-accreditation process as a National Human Rights Institution at ICC.

"The lack of such funding erodes the effectiveness of the commission and undermines the principles upon which National Human Rights Institutions are formed.

"This is important amidst concerns being expressed, both at home and abroad, that human rights is not being given the priority it deserves." – November 16, 2015.