Chapter 1 - Report of the Education and Public Relations Group (b) Visits by the Commission On 9 September, the Commission visited Pusat Warga Tua Impresif, a care centre for elderly people, located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The visit was among activities of the Education and Public Relations Group, as part of initial groundwork to promote and protect the rights of older persons. On 6 September, the Commission arranged for Mr Maina Kiai, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, to pay a courtesy call on the InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Haji Ismail Omar. Also at the meeting were Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee, the Commission’s Vice-Chairman; Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Khalid Abu Bakar, Deputy IGP; and Dato’ Wira Salleh Mat Rasid, Director of Internal Security and Public Order. The visit was arranged for Mr Kiai to gain insights from the Royal Malaysian Police into peaceful assemblies held in Malaysia. Datuk Dr Khaw took the opportunity to express the Commission’s appreciation to the IGP for cooperation offered on the Public Inquiry into Incidents During and After the 28 April 2012 Public Assembly. On 31 May, the Commission, led by Chairman Tan Sri Hasmy Agam visited the Karangkraf Group in Shah Alam to better understand the administration and the running of a media organisation. The visit enabled discussions and the sharing of views in regard to human rights, so that the media is better equipped to relay messages. 7. MEDIA RELATIONS The Commission acknowledges the significant role of the media in imparting information on human rights. The media helps connect the Commission with the people and can shape the thinking and opinions of the public. At the same time, the Commission will utilise social media to promote human rights through its Facebook page and Twitter account, which have over 2,500 fans and 3,800 followers respectively. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999, under Section 4(2), empowers the Commission to issue public statements on human rights. While most online news portals have been very receptive of the statements, the mainstream media has not been as forthcoming in providing space or airtime. Nevertheless, most radio and television talk-show programmes have been cooperative in inviting members of the Commission to speak on thematic human rights issues. Several newspapers have also interviewed members of the Commission to get their comments on alleged human rights violations. The Commission hopes that the media will be supportive in drawing attention to human rights issues. 48