[BANGKOK] 21 June 2025: The Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) strongly urges the Malaysian Government to ensure the continuity of the ongoing inquiry into alleged human rights violations at Taiping Prison by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM). It likewise calls for the independence of SUHAKAM to be upheld, as the terms of seven commissioners are set to expire.
Commissioner Mariati Robert, one of the outgoing commissioners, currently serves on the three-member panel leading the inquiry, alongside Chairman Hishamudin Yunus and Commissioner Farah Nini Dusuki.
On 17 January 2025, a violent incident at Taiping Prison resulted in the death of 62-year-old Gan Chin Eng, from abdominal injuries caused by blunt force trauma, and injuries to several other detainees. Over 100 detainees were reportedly assaulted by more than 60 prison officers using batons and canes.
In response to multiple complaints, SUHAKAM launched an investigation in February 2025 and was initially denied access to the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre, despite prior approval. Entry was granted only after a public outcry. SUHAKAM was eventually granted entry into Taiping Prison several days later.
Following its initial investigations, SUHAKAM formally launched a public inquiry into the alleged violations on 23 May. The first phase of SUHAKAM’s public inquiry was held from 9 to 12 June 2025 at Kamunting Correctional Centre in Perak. The second phase is scheduled to take place at the same venue from 23 to 26 June.
Protect Inquiry Continuity to Promote Accountability
The impending expiration of Commissioner Mariati’s tenure on 22 June, one day before the second phase of the public inquiry begins, raises serious concerns about its continuity and integrity. Her role as a key member is crucial In public inquiries, to ensure fair, informed, and coherent findings. Panel changes at this formative stage risk undermining due process, public confidence, and eroding institutional credibility, especially given the allegations of state violence against persons in custody.
“ANNI joins the Malaysian civil society in urging the Malaysian Government and SUHAKAM to urgently address the expiring tenure of Commissioner Mariati, who is concluding her first term and remains eligible for reappointment,” said Mary Aileen Diez-Bacalso, the Executive Director of FORUM-ASIA, the Secretariat of ANNI. “The continuity and integrity of the Taiping Prison investigation must not be jeopardized. Replacing a panel member at this stage could delay the inquiry’s progress and cast doubt on the credibility of the inquiry process. Public trust hinges on procedural integrity and independence,” she added.
“The Government and SUHAKAM must clarify the steps that will be taken to ensure due process in inquiry proceedings, including whether Commissioner Mariati will be reappointed or replaced, and how that will affect the panel’s composition,” said Azura Nasron, the acting Executive Director of SUARAM, a member organization of ANNI. “Consistency in the panel is not merely procedural; it is central to ensuring inquiry legitimacy and meaningful outcomes.”
ANNI calls on the Government of Malaysia and SUHAKAM to take prompt and transparent steps to safeguard the legitimacy of the inquiry process, both through timely decision-making on panel composition and by upholding their commitment to justice and the protection of human rights. Protecting the integrity of the Taiping Prison inquiry is key to upholding due process and accountability.
Maintain the Independence of SUHAKAM
With seven SUHAKAM commissioners, including key inquiry panel member Mariati Robert, completing their terms this month, ANNI urges the Malaysian government to ensure that new appointments protect SUHAKAM’s independence, credibility, and continuity.
Strict adherence to Section 5(3B) of the SUHAKAM Act, which bars politically affiliated individuals from serving, is essential to maintain public trust and impartiality.
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Asian NGOs Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI)
The Asian NGOs Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) was established in December 2006. It is a network of Asian non-governmental organisations and human rights defenders working on issues related to National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs). ANNI has members that are national organisations from all over Asia. ANNI currently has 33 member organisations from 21 countries or territories. The work of ANNI members focuses on strengthening the work and functioning of Asian NHRIs to better promote and protect human rights as well as to advocate for the improved compliance of Asian NHRIs with international standards, including the Paris Principles and General Observations of the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of NHRIs (GANHRI). The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) has served as the Secretariat of ANNI since its establishment in 2006. http://l.forum-asia.org/ANNI
The post [Statement] Malaysia Must Prioritize Integrity and Continuity of Taiping Prison Investigation and Uphold SUHAKAM’s Independence Amid Expiring Commissioner Tenures first appeared on FORUM-ASIA.
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