By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 11: Malaysia should take the lead within the region to ratify the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT), which in turn may lead to the removal of caning or any other punishments that could cause severe pain.
CSO Platform for Reform Steering Committee opined that by doing so, Malaysia would not only demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights but also signal its readiness to uphold the highest standards of human dignity and justice.
“Such actions will enhance Malaysia’s reputation on the global stage, fostering greater trust and cooperation with other nations and international bodies dedicated to human rights,” it said.
CSO Platform was responding to a recent statement by Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who on Monday (July 8), told the Parliament that Malaysia was unable to ratify UNCAT because punishments meted out in the country’s criminal and shariah courts, such as canning and whipping, run afoul of UNCAT’s rules. — DayakDaily
