The Lecture on Human Rights and the Rule of Law in the Context of International Terrorism – The Malaysian Perspective by Tun Richard Malanjum

Rights and the Rule of Law in the Context of International Terrorism – The Malaysian Perspective” organised by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM). 

The lecture was presented by the former chief justice of Malaysia and the current ombudsperson of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 1267 Sanctions Committee, Tun Richard Malanjum. He looked into the application of international human rights frameworks, including the United Nations Charter, on Malaysia’s legal approach to counterterrorism. 

He discussed the importance of judicial oversight to ensure these measures do not compromise civil liberties by highlighting key laws such as the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA 2012) and Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA 2015), which enable preventive detention. The lecture also addressed the impact of UN sanctions on individuals linked to terrorism, with him emphasising the Ombudsperson’s role in reviewing sanctions to uphold fairness. Overall, Malaysia is committed to balancing effective counterterrorism strategies with the protection of fundamental human rights.

INITIATE.MY team is also committed to incorporate the balance of human rights protection in security measures. The organisation has done this through a training series with law enforcement officers in 2023 on Community and Serviced-Oriented Policing (CSOP) covering the topics that include “Do No Harm Approach”,  Mendez Principles, human rights affirming approach during investigative interviews and policing.

This effort should be continuous. Especially as INITIATE.MY aims to play a more proactive role in supporting effective and sustainable reintegration of former security detainees or prisoners beyond punitive measures by prioritising their rights to work, participate in community activities and get access to mental health support.