KOTA KINABALU – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has proposed that the registration of societies and political parties be administered by an independent entity instead of a government body.
This will guarantee impartiality and neutrality in the administration of matters relating to the registration of such groups, it said in a statement yesterday.
This follows the Registrar of Societies’ (RoS) recent rejection of applications from Pejuang and Muda to register as political parties.
Suhakam stressed that freedom of association is a fundamental liberty guaranteed to every citizen under Article 10(1)(c) of the federal constitution, and the same rights are stated under Article 20(1) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
“There is a need to review the Societies Act 1966 as it contains provisions that may be deemed inconsistent with the principles of human rights, particularly the right to freedom of association.
“The Societies Act 1966 is enacted to govern matters relating to the registration of societies. In accordance with the Act, matters relating to the registration of societies are under the purview of the RoS,” it said.
In the past, Suhakam has made recommendations on reforms for the Societies Act, which include the proportionate exercise of the powers by the RoS for the purpose of the said Act; the review on the absolute discretion of the minister to declare a society unlawful; the provision of a specific timeframe for the RoS’ decision on a registration application and communication to the applicant on the decision; and, the obligation for RoS to furnish reasons for declining or not responding to an application for registration of associations.
The commission added that the government needs to review the Societies Act 1966 and it stands ready to assist in this matter.
In the interim, the commission hopes that the RoS carries out its functions and duties with a fair-minded and human rights-compliant approach. – The Vibes, January 10, 2021
