S UHAKAM remains determined and steadfast in carrying out its role of promoting and addressing human rights in Malaysia. There are still some pockets of Malaysians, mainly from religious communities and political groups, who view basic human rights norms and freedom of choice as a “threat” to their faith or political beliefs. Challenges remain, including transgressions of the rights of minority groups, migrants, the B40 group and those in detention. Allegations of torture and mistreatment while in the custody of enforcement authorities, as well as child abuse and violations against children’s rights, occur with alarming frequency. There are still sections of society who either do not understand or refuse to accept that human rights applies to everyone. It was unfortunate that at the end of December 2018 there was a public assembly to object to the application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) in Malaysia. This implies that “Malaysians” welcome racial discrimination. Objections were also raised by certain quarters to the demands for gender equality. SUHAKAM’s Study on Discrimination Against Transgender Persons based in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor showed a general lack of awareness/understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity. It also showed pervasive discrimination against transgender persons, in terms of access to education, health, employment, housing and public facilities and their right to dignity. SUHAKAM convened a National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia in 2010 and the report was published in 2013. SUHAKAM is concerned with the slow progress in the government’s endorsement and implementation of the 18 recommendations in the report. SUHAKAM continued to support the rights of indigenous peoples, in particular, the recognition of indigenous customary rights to land, and seeking redress to land administration matters. SUHAKAM convened a National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia in 2010 and the report was published in 2013. SUHAKAM is concerned with the slow progress in the government’s endorsement and implementation of the 18 recommendations in the report. SUHAKAM will continue to engage with the relevant Minister and ministry/authorities for amicable solutions and positive outcomes for all. SUHAKAM organised 5 sessions of SUHAKAM Bersama Masyarakat (Meet the People) at different locations in Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Johor, and Kedah; reaching out to 1,848 SUHAKAM ANNUAL REPORT 2018 xiii