The Malaysian government has appointed veteran lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah as Ambassador-at-Large for Human Rights for a two-year term from 2016 to 2018.

The Foreign Ministry in a statement issued today, said Muhammad 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 of Malaysia's firm commitment to enhancing engagement in addressing human rights issues with all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, academia, government agencies and international organisations," it said.