shall become vacant if he ceases to be a member of or is expelled or resigns from the political party which he stood for in the election. The Singaporean Parliament shall decide the disqualification and such determination is final. The vacant seat of the MP disqualified by these provisions shall be filled by fresh elections. SUHAKAM is of the view that political parties should be regulated by legislation and rules separate from other kinds of associations. An “AntiHopping” law should be enacted in Malaysia in order to ensure political stability and end the impunity of fraud on the electorate, whilst strengthening democracy and protecting the rights of its citizens. MPs and ADUNs are elected to represent the voice of their voters, therefore should manifest the needs and views of the Rakyat and not of their own. Together, we should make conscious, determined effort to build people’s trust in the election and democratic process, failing which, will be to the nation’s detriment. THE WAY FORWARD The year 2020 has shown how the pandemic affected countries worldwide. Despite the uncertainty of the world situation, SUHAKAM has been persistent and committed to its mandate under the SUHAKAM Act 1999 (Act 597) on advising the government in devising policies and laws related to human rights. Although LITD faced some obstacles throughout the year, LITD managed to materialise some of these activities and its core activities. The division managed to publish position papers and extend its role as an amicus curiae in the court. The ultimate goal is to see through the amendments to the SUHAKAM Act next year. LITD also managed to prepare several policy papers during COVID-19 on migrant workers, women, and civil liberties affected. In the upcoming year, SUHAKAM plans to prepare several activities related to CRPD and CEDAW. The planning is in line with our preparation to submit the parallel report to the United Nations Committee on CEDAW and CRPD before March 2022. LITD notes Parliament’s announcement to establish a Parliamentary Select Committee on Fundamental Liberties and Constitutional Rights in November 2020. SUHAKAM is also looking forward to engaging with the Select Committee to enhance the protections and advance the status of human rights in Malaysia. 28 ANNUAL REPORT 2020