EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY As the new line-up of Commissioners took office in April, the Commission reiterated its commitment to the full realisation of respect for human rights through promotion and protection activities. In line with this, the Commission renewed its call for repeal of all laws that allow for detention without trial. Such laws blatantly contradict the core human rights principle which requires persons to be charged before a competent court of law when suspected of committing an offence. The Commission further stressed the importance of respect for freedom to assemble peacefully. It is the Commission’s view that the holding of peaceful assemblies without permits should be decriminalised under Section 27A of the Police Act 1967. Media freedom is essential to ensure the freedoms of information and expression. Acknowledging this, the Commission called for the repeal of the many laws and regulation restricting the media and opined that the media should instead exercise self-regulation. To achieve this, the Commission recommended the formation of an independent media council. Recognising that the issue of conversion of a spouse to Islam may lead to disputes over guardianship and maintenance, and that such disputes may be further aggravated by the inconsistent application of Syariah law among states throughout Malaysia, the Commission submitted a memorandum to the Conference of Rulers recommending the standardisation of Syariah law procedures. The year saw the Government’s commitment to combating trafficking in persons. However, the Commission is concerned by the fact that the smuggling of migrants is included in the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act 2007. This could have an adverse effect on genuine victims of trafficking. Complaints about law enforcement officials continued to be brought to the Commission’s attention. These were directed at the police in particular, with allegations ranging from inaction on investigating reports to brutality during interrogations, abuse of remand procedures, and indiscriminate discharge of firearms. Mindful that vulnerable groups require more attention, the Commission emphasised the promotion and protection of the rights of women, children, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender group, migrant workers, asylum seekers and refugees. The Commission remained vigilant on issues affecting them and called on the Government to accord serious attention to their special needs. 7