Chairman’s Message Freedom of expression and the right to information are among the fundamental freedoms – and essential prerequisites of a free and democratic society - that Member-States of the United Nations are obliged to uphold. In this regard, the Commission was encouraged by the Government’s review of media censorship policies and amendment of the annual licensing requirement for the print media. It is hoped that these changes will not be merely cosmetic in nature, but will address the central issue of restrictions on freedom of expression. The Commission was also pleased to take note of the relaxation of restrictions on freedom of expression and student activism on campus, thereby bringing in greater democratic space for young people. This moves the situation in Malaysia forward, to keep abreast of international practice. Closely related to this is freedom of assembly, which is enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the UDHR. Unfortunately, this right has not flourished in the country. Many laws are securityoriented, given the Government’s preoccupation with issues of peace and national security since Independence; this has become a major bone of contention between the authorities and members of the public who wish to more freely exercise this right. In spite of the repeal of specific sections of the Police Act and passage of legislation that dispensed with the need for a police permit for peaceful public assemblies, there are concerns that the discretionary powers given to the police and other limitations in the new law will inhibit, rather than facilitate, the holding of peaceful assemblies. It is hoped that the new law can be refined to make it fully compliant with international human rights standards and that, in the interim, the authorities will facilitate rather than hamper the exercise of this universal right. The people, on their part, should conduct themselves responsibly in exercising this right. Arising out of this is the somewhat negative public perception of the role of the police in dealing with peaceful assemblies. While the pivotal role of the police in the maintenance of public order and security is beyond dispute and is generally appreciated by the people, some of its standard approaches and procedures in carrying out its law and order function have raised questions. The Commission is of the view that this issue of perception of the police needs to be addressed in order to instil public confidence in the police as a professional force and for it to emulate best practices in the world. One of the most fundamental rights accorded to a human being is the right to practise religion freely. While this right is guaranteed in the Federal Constitution and has generally been upheld, there have been, unfortunately, a few occasions when it has been interfered with; this does not reflect well on Malaysia which prides itself as being a tolerant multi-cultural and multi-religious nation. The matter is of some concern to the Commission which has and will continue to play an intervening or mediatory role, whenever necessary, so as to ensure this fundamental right continues to be observed. Ever since its inception, the Commission has taken a special interest in the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities and Indigenous Peoples. In further promoting and protecting their rights, the Commission will continue to urge the Government’s full compliance with principles and norms in international conventions or instruments to which the country is party. The Commission will actively pursue its monitoring/inquiring, promotional 2