6) Conclusions Based on the discussions and the presentations by the facilitators, the Chairman of SUHAKAM concluded during his closing remarks that Malaysia was ready to accede to the CAT and there was no reason for not doing so. The Chairman urged the Government to be in the rank of countries that gave due respect to human rights, and that had acceded to the CAT, and he expressed the importance of the leading role that can be taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in realizing this. In relation to practices and acts deemed to be torturous perpetrated by some Muslims, the Chairman urged the Muslim countries and communities to play their part in erasing the negative images in order to portray what their religion truly stood for to the world. Dr. Silvia Casale’s presentations had demonstrated how CAT, together with the functions of the Committee, could assist Malaysia in eradicating the practice of torture. She also illustrated how some inconsistencies with the CAT were no major hindrance for a country’s accession, as it is almost impossible for a country to be at a total compliance with the Convention. Despite the challenges in acceding to the Convention, gradual changes were feasible, and the alternative measures, like the increase of jail term or the imposition of community service as suggested in the session moderated by Datuk Khaw Lake Tee, were possible although it would take time. 14