COMMENT | Today marks Human Rights Day, a day when there is needed attention to how human rights have empowered people and helped address deep-seated inequalities in societies.

It is a particularly important day as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani government defines itself as progressive, aiming to build an inclusive society tied to the protection of human rights and promotion of equality.

Persistent human rights concerns

In recent weeks, civil society organisations have highlighted concerns that the government is curtailing freedoms.

Suaram’s report this year pointed to the continued problems of police misconduct, increased police shootings and persistently high custodial deaths, which also lacked transparency.

The report also highlighted curbs on freedoms, with 40 percent of assemblies subjected to investigations, and increased use of security legislation such as the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) and the Sedition Act to restrict freedom of speech.