Tan Sri Razali Ismail is new Suhakam Chairman

Former diplomat Tan Sri Razali Ismail was appointed Tuesday as the chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak also announced the appointment of Suhakam's new members, namely Professor Datuk Dr Aishah Bidin, Francis Johen anak Adam, Datuk Mah Weng Kwai, Datuk Godfrey Gregory Joitol, Dr Nik Salida Suhaila Nik Salleh, Jerald Joseph and Datuk Lok Yim Pheng.

The appointment is for a period of three years (2016-2019), according to the Prime Minister in a statement here.

The Prime Minister said pursuant to subsection 5(2) of the Human Rights Commission 1999 (Act 597), the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to the appointment of Razali and the members.

"In accordance with subsection 6(1) of Act 597, the Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to Tan Sri Razali Ismail's appointment as Suhakam chairman," he said.