Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 45th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Malaysia

25 January 2024

Statement by Australia

Thank you, Vice President

Australia commends Malaysia for taking steps toward abolishing the death penalty, including abolishing the mandatory death penalty. Australia stands ready to support Malaysia to move toward abolition of the death penalty.

Australia recommends Malaysia:

1. Promptly ratify the ICCPR and the Convention Against Torture and abolish the sentences of whipping and caning.
2. Repeal the Sedition Act, the Printing Presses and Publications Act, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act to strengthen freedom of expression, and prioritise the submission of anti-discrimination legislation to Parliament.
3. Raise the legal minimum age for marriage to 18, in accordance with international human rights standards, and fully implement the National Strategic Plan in Handling the Causes of Child Marriage.