Stop barring people from leaving the country, says Suhakam
Suhakam chief Razali Ismail says proper reasons must be provided by the Immigration Department before any individual is placed on the blacklist.
PETALING JAYA: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has admonished the Immigration Department over the restriction imposed on some individuals from travelling abroad.
Referring to the new government’s commitment to human rights and rule of law, Suhakam chairman Razali Ismail said every individual has the right to freedom of movement including to travel overseas.
“Suhakam defends the principle of the right to freedom of movement.
“While understanding the complications of the current situation and matters relating to national interest, Suhakam further advises in the public interest that the circumstances justifying the prohibition to travel will need to be provided,” he said.
Razali added that the Immigration Act 1959/63 did not provide the conditions under which the right to freedom of movement may be limited.
“Therefore, conferring an unfettered discretion on the director-general to decide on the right to freedom of movement of an individual would not be in line with international standards.”
He called for the relevant law to be amended in order for it to be in compliance with international standards.
Razali is believed to be referring to the issue of various individuals being barred from leaving the country, including former prime minister Najib Razak and his wife Rosmah Mansor, as well as other senior government officials who were said to have blocked investigations into the 1MDB scandal.
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Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had previously said that he had instructed immigration officials to bar Najib and his wife from leaving the country.