The Foreign Ministry, in a statement issued today, said Shafee’s appointment was part of the government’s efforts to advance the promotion and protection of human rights.

“The appointment is a manifestation of the government’s firm commitment to addressing human rights issues with all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, academia, government agencies and international organisations,” it said.

Shafee has been a member of the legal fraternity for almost 31 years and has been involved in various areas of law, including human rights.

He served as commissioner for the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) for three consecutive terms from 2004 to 2010.

He was also appointed as the Representative of Malaysia to the Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) for two terms from 2009 to 2015.

– BERNAMA