KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Paul Low Seng Kuan received the Special Human Rights Recognition award here yesterday.
Bestowed by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), the award recognises Low for his significant contributions to the promotion of human rights in the country through various important initiatives.
In his acceptance speech, Low encouraged the government to work with more non-governmental organisation (NGOs) to bridge the gap between the authorities and civil societies.
“These groups have the skills and leadership qualities, and the government can listen to the views of all.
“As a minister, I will help Suhakam in the communication process to have more dialogues organised between the government and NGOs. Through this, the government can use the talent these NGOs have in solving issues pertaining to the people,” he said.
Among the many things Low has championed is the development of the National Action Plan on business and human rights.
He has also been advocating for the implementation of recommendations from Suhakam's National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous People.
Meanwhile, Dr Madhusudhan Shanmugam, 34, received the Individual Award by Suhakam for his efforts in providing medical care to the homeless.
He dedicated his awards to his family and his team at the Teddy Mobile Clinic.
“We started this journey with only one doctor and six volunteers. Currently, we have six to seven doctors joining us in the streets, along with 50-over volunteers - and certainly, this is not an individual effort. We will certainly continue what we are doing now,' he said in his acceptance speech.
Other winners were the Malaysia Handicraft Development Corporation (Government Agency Award), Stephen Then Vui Fah (Print Media Award - The Star Publications), Boo Su-Lyn (Media Award - Malay Mail Online), Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad (Business Entity Award) and The Centre for Environment, Technology and Development, Malaysia (Civil Society Organisation Award).
Also present at the Human Rights Awards Ceremony was the first chairman of Suhakam, Tan Sri Musa Hitam.
Since 2011, Suhakam has recognised people and agencies that have contributed to the advancement of human rights in Malaysia.