The Malaysian government has appointed veteran lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah as ambassador-at-large for human rights for a two-year term from 2016 to 2018.

The Foreign Ministry in a statement issued today, said Muhammad Shafee’s appointment was part of the government’s efforts to advance the promotion and protection of human rights.

“The appointment is a manifestation of the government of Malaysia’s firm commitment to enhancing engagement in addressing human rights issues with all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, academia, government agencies and international organisations,” it said.

Muhammad Shafee has been a member of the legal fraternity for almost 31 years and has been involved in various areas of law including human rights.

He served as commissioner for the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) for three consecutive terms from 2004 until 2010.

He was also appointed as the Representative of Malaysia to the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) for two terms from 2009 until 2015.

- Bernama