Chairman’s Message Over the last 13 years, the Commission has never failed to submit its Annual Report to Parliament as required by Section 21 of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 (Act 597). Nevertheless, none of those reports has ever been debated in Parliament. The Commission’s Annual Report is an important document that reflects the reality of the human rights situation on the ground. If it is not debated in Parliament at all, it will fail to address the fundamental issues that are highlighted by the Commission in its Annual Report to Parliament, in fulfilling its mandate and mission of improving the human rights situation in the country. In delivering on these key challenges and achievements of the Commission, I wish to acknowledge the enormous and continuing contribution of my fellow Commissioners, as well as the Secretary and staff of the Commission who have shown their commitment and passion to the cause of human rights. It has been a privilege for me to work with them, for the second term. And I would like to record my appreciation to them for their tireless efforts and the support rendered to the Commission over the years. My deep gratitude goes to Vice-Chairman Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee and Commissioner Prof Dato’ Dr Aishah Bidin, for their contributions and guidance in steering the Commission’s Annual Report Committee and in ensuring the timely completion of this Report. I approach the coming year with the hope to see the country grow faster in the realm of human rights, consistent with its new position and responsibility in the United Nations Security Council and as Chairman of ASEAN under whose stewardship ASEAN is expected to fully emerge as a Community of Southeast Asian Nations. TAN SRI HASMY AGAM Chairman The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia 4