Suhakam Needs To Stay As Credible Institution In Fight For Vulnerable Groups - Anwar 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hopes that the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will remain a credible and progressive institution in championing the rights of vulnerable groups.

He also wants Suhakam to continue to play an important role in strengthening the human rights agenda in line with the hopes and aspirations of the nation.

Anwar said this after a meeting and discussion with Suhakam Chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus who paid a courtesy call on him in Putrajaya today.

"Received a courtesy call from the Chairman of Suhakam (Mohd Hishamudin) and discussed various important issues related to human rights that directly affect all levels of society in this country.

"The discussion covered Suhakam's achievements as well as current challenges that are increasingly complex, including technological and social changes that demand a more comprehensive and integrated approach," he said in a Facebook post today.

Anwar said the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and digitalisation has created a new dimension in guaranteeing and protecting human rights.

Therefore, special attention must also be given to the human rights of children who are increasingly exposed to new risks, he said.

Meanwhile, in a separate message, Anwar announced that he also received a courtesy call from the Director-General of the Islamic World Organization for Education, Science and Culture (ICESCO) Dr Salim M AlMalik this afternoon, to discuss the potential for more comprehensive cooperation between Malaysia and ICESCO.

He said the talks also focused on exploring cooperation in the fields of education, technology and heritage preservation across Islamic countries and ASEAN.

Anwar said that as an intergovernmental organisation based in Rabat, Morocco, ICESCO which comprised more than 50 countries, plays an important role in advancing education, science and culture in the Islamic world through a wide network of cooperation.

“I take note of the various strategic initiatives being driven by ICESCO, and emphasise the need to focus on future areas including certification of training in AI, digitalisation and new technologies which are priorities for developing countries,” he said.

Also present at the courtesy call was Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

-- BERNAMA