1. Executive Summary The Round Table Discussion (RTD) was organized essentially to promote, and discuss the attendant issues regarding the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT). The event was held following the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (SUHAKAM) recommendation since its inception, for the Government to accede to the Convention. The discussions and recommendations made at the RTD would be used to substantiate and strengthen the call for accession to the CAT. Dr. Silvia Casale, an expert consultant to the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF) and an expert to the European Committee for Prevention of Torture (CPT) facilitated three of four sessions of the RTD, while Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee, SUHAKAM Commissioner, facilitated one. The topics presented by Dr. Silvia for discussions ranged from the basic introduction to the CAT, to substantive and procedural matters under the Convention with practical examples of country practices and implementation. Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee presented on some domestic challenges in acceding to the CAT, and the alternative measures that could be taken to replace practices that are deemed to constitute torture under the Convention. The participants consisted of representatives from Government agencies and NGOs, human rights activists, academicians and SUHAKAM Commissioners and staff. The Government representatives included the police and a Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission officer. The RTD was conducted in an interactive format, where the facilitators ensured the participants were given the opportunity to express their thoughts and opinions on practices relating to torture, and whether they favoured Malaysia’s accession to the CAT or otherwise. Some participants provided updates on current commendable national practices in eliminating torture that may conform to the principles under the CAT. The positive practices that were highlighted were among Dr. Silvia’s main arguments for Malaysia’s accession to the CAT. Due to the vast experiences of the facilitators on torture issues and the diversity of backgrounds of the participants, the RTD made recommendations that are practical and realistic in the Malaysian context, with many of the recommendations refuting the argument that the national laws and policies are hindrances to the country’s accession to the Convention. The RTD concluded that with some good national practices against torture, Malaysia is ready to accede to the CAT, notwithstanding some minor impediments which should not be the reason for non-accession. The ultimate aim of SUHAKAM, sharing a common goal with some participants, was for the Government to ultimately accede to the CAT and at the same time abolish laws, policies and 1