By Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
Assalamualaikum and a very good morning,
H.E. Edmund Bon Tai Soon, Representative of Malaysia and Chair to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR),
Excellencies, members of the media, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
On behalf of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM), I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you to today’s Media and Diplomatic Briefing on ASEAN Malaysia 2025 Deliverables on Human Rights.
Thank you for making the time to join us this morning.
Today’s briefing focuses on two landmark documents adopted by ASEAN Leaders at the 47th ASEAN Summit, namely:
- The ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment; and
- The ASEAN Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and the Right to Peace Towards Realising Inclusive and Sustainable Development.
These declarations represent an important milestone for the region. They reaffirm that human rights, environmental protection, sustainable development, and peace are deeply interconnected. The challenges we face today, climate change, environmental degradation, inequality, conflict and instability are complex. They demand collective and coordinated responses. ASEAN’s adoption of these declarations reflects the region’s readiness to take on that responsibility and to assert itself as a global partner in advancing human rights and sustainability.
Malaysia played a central role in shaping these outcomes. I would like to commend His Excellency Edmund Bon Tai Soon, Malaysia’s Representative to the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and current Chair, for successfully leading the drafting and negotiations of both declarations. His work, together with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ASEAN Member States, reflects Malaysia’s continued leadership and commitment to strengthening the regional human rights architecture.
As Malaysia’s National Human Rights Institution, SUHAKAM views these declarations as a timely and necessary step forward. They provide regional guidance that is in line with global human rights norms, and they serve as important reference points as we address national issues relating to environmental rights, inclusivity in development, and the promotion of peace. It is also worth noting that the environmental issues is a cross-border human rights issues which require coordinated efforts by Asean Member States and relevant stakeholders.
Our role at SUHAKAM is to help bridge regional human rights commitments with national implementation. We work closely with AICHR, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, government agencies, and civil society to promote awareness, foster dialogue, and build capacity on ASEAN human rights instruments. This briefing is part of that effort. It allows us to provide clarity on the content and implications of the declarations, and to create space for media and diplomatic partners to engage in informed discussion.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is no longer an abstract concept. Today’s platform also provides an important opportunity for Malaysia to translate our regional commitments into concrete national action. In line with the ASEAN Declaration on Environmental Rights, SUHAKAM reiterates its earlier recommendation for the adoption of a Climate Change Bill that incorporates the core principles articulated in the Declaration. At the same time, the forthcoming National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights presents another avenue to strengthen environmental governance, including through enhanced enforcement and clearer accountability standards. These steps are essential to ensuring that our commitments do not remain aspirational, but are implemented meaningfully for the benefit of all
It is a lived reality for communities across Malaysia and the region who face increasing floods, heatwaves, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Recognising this right at the regional level is an important step, but it must be matched by stronger national action, improved governance, and meaningful participation of affected communities.
Likewise, the right to development and the right to peace are essential foundations for a stable and prosperous ASEAN Community. Sustainable development must be inclusive, leaving no one behind. Peace must be nurtured and protected. These are rights that cut across sectors and require collaboration between government, civil society, the private sector, and the public.
Through today’s briefing, I hope we can deepen our understanding of these commitments and identify opportunities for collaborative follow-up. The media and diplomatic community play a vital role in shaping public understanding, policy direction, and regional cooperation. Your engagement is key to ensuring that these commitments translate into real progress on the ground.
There has to be genuine commitments on the part of Governments. There has to be sincerity. The environmental laws have to be strictly enforced. Otherwise, the ASEAN DECLARATION WILL BE NOTHING BUT mere self glorification.
In closing, I would like to express SUHAKAM’s full support for the progress achieved at the ASEAN level and reaffirm our commitment to working with all stakeholders to advance the rights of every person in Malaysia and across the region. As SUHAKAM assumes the Chair of the South East Asia National Human Rights Institutions Forum (SEANF) later today, we will also utilise the SEANF platform to further discuss both Declarations and to strengthen the role of National Human Rights Institutions in supporting the development of the ASEAN Action Plan and in monitoring its implementation.
Thank you once again for being here. I wish you a productive session ahead.
Thank you.
These welcoming remarks were delivered on 20 November 2025 at the at the Media and Diplomatic Briefing on ASEAN Malaysia 2025 Deliverables on Human Rights held on 20 November 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Watch the video here.
The English version of the joint press statement by SUHAKAM and AICHR Malaysia is accessible here.
Versi Bahasa Malaysia kenyataan media bersama SUHAKAM dan AICHR Malaysia boleh didapati di sini.
