Use own RM4.5 million, Paul Low tells Suhakam after budget cuts

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low says 2016 would be a good time for the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) to tap its fixed deposits. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, December 7, 2015.The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) and other government agencies should tap their own funds such as fixed deposits following budget cuts in 2016, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Paul Low said.

He also denied their budget cuts were the result of their criticism of Putrajaya.

Low, who is minister in charge of governance, human rights and integrity, said the cuts were because the government needed to justify its expenditure.

"This doesn’t mean that the government doesn’t recognise because you speak against the government.

"In the case of Suhakam, they have fixed deposits of RM4 million to RM4.5 million. So the treasury will ask, why keep the fixed deposits?" he said in his speech at the Human Rights Day 2015 in Kuala Lumpur today.

"If you use fixed deposit at a time like this, I think it is okay."

He said 2016 would be a good time to use the fixed deposits.

"We need all agencies to use their fixed deposit."

Suhakam previously told The Malaysian Insider it would question Putrajaya over the drastic cut to its budget allocation for 2016.

Its budget has been cut by almost 50% from RM10.97 million in 2015 to RM5.5 million for 2016.

Low said despite the budget cuts to government agencies, funding for non-governmental organisations had been increased to RM160 million.

"We have increased funding for NGOs, I have a duty now (to ensure that) the RM160 million will not just go to political NGOS," he said after a discussion on rights and freedom as a foundation for an inclusive future. – December 7, 2015.