chairman’s message its mandate and looks forward to receiving increased support and understanding from all Malaysians who are the main stakeholders of human rights. It is my fervent hope, shared by the other members of the Commission, that sooner or later – hopefully, sooner rather than later – Malaysia will fully subscribe to universal human rights principles and values once the people have a better appreciation and understanding of these principles and values, so that as a nation we can stand tall and proud in the company of countries that have impeccable human rights standards. Until that is achieved, it is hoped that Malaysia will continue to learn and emulate the best practices of other countries, especially those with which we share similar cultural and social traditions. For, promoting, protecting and advancing human rights is not only the responsibility of the Commission or the Government or CSOs, but of all Malaysians who value freedom and the right to live in peace and harmony with fellow-citizens. I am greatly indebted to my fellow-Commissioners for their warm comradeship, strong support, encouragement and unstinted contributions in terms of ideas, experience and expertise that have, to a great extent, lightened the burden of the chairmanship of the Commission. I am especially grateful to Prof Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee, the Vice-Chair, for her sound advice and, in particular, her leadership in steering the work of preparing and completing this Annual Report on time, with the support and cooperation of Commissioners, Officers and Staff-Members. In submitting this Annual Report to Parliament, I once again recommend it to all Malaysians and invite them to join the challenge of bringing the country into the fold of States that fully respect and uphold the fundamental and inalienable rights of their peoples regardless of race, creed or colour. For, promoting, protecting and advancing human rights is not only the responsibility of the Commission or the Government or CSOs, but of all Malaysians who value freedom and the right to live in peace and harmony with fellow-citizens. TAN SRI HASMY AGAM Chairman The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia 6