FEDERAL CONSTITUTION, UDHR & HUMAN RIGHTS (Lecture 1)

Human Rights Public Lecture Series 2015

Date                Jan 23, 2015 (Friday)

Time                3pm to 6pm

Venue              Brickfield Asia College, PJ Campus

The theme of Human Rights has been hotly debated in Malaysian society. Some say this is a western concept and not consistent with Asian values. They have also said that human rights is a tool of the develop world to supress the developing nations. However at the global level there is a greater call for nations to comply with a universal set of human rights laws and standards. The work of the United Nations is commendable in this respect.

The 2015 Human Rights Lecture series begins with a lecture on the Federal Constitution and its specific provisions on Fundamental Liberties. What are the rights protected for the citizens of Malaysia? Are there responsibilities too?

The Federal Constitution (FD) is the legal framework for Malaysia as formulated in 1957. Are these consistent with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which was formulated in 1948? Can we compare and contrast the FD & UDHR? Are there areas where there is conflict and inconsistency between the Federal Constitution and the UDHR?

There is specific reference to the UDHR in the Suhakam Act 597 passed by the Malaysian Parliament in 1999.  What is the implications of this specific reference to the UDHR? Is there a legal obligation for Malaysia to comply with the UDHR especially in areas where there is consistency with the Federal Constitution? How then can we build a better Malaysia based on the core tenants of the FC and UDHR?

Speaker           Prof Shad Saleem Faruqi

Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr. Shad Saleem Faruqi is a Malaysian Professor of Law. He is one of the most sort of law lecturer in Malaysia and a public intellectual. His regular Star column entitled “Reflecting on the Law” has provided sound legal comments to many a public issue.

He is also a Proham Hon Member and author of the book entitled Document of Destiny, The Constitution of the Federation of Malaysia (Star, 2008). He has served Universiti Teknologi MARA in Shah Alam, Selangor in various capacities since 1971.

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The Human Rights Lecture Series 2015 seeks to popularise human rights based on the UN Human Rights Day theme Human Rights 365. The series is jointly organised by PROHAM and Brickfields Asia College.

Admission is free but you need to register: prohamsecretariat@gmail.com