ANNUAL REPORT 2019 15 B. PROMOTION AND OUTREACH Following a series of programmes on Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) held in 2017 and 2018 with Malaysian key stakeholders, SUHAKAM recognised the need to explore best practices of other states in overcoming obstacles leading to the accession of UNCAT at the domestic level. Against this backdrop, SUHAKAM, with funding from the European Union (EU), hosted a regional dialogue on UNCAT on 8 July in Kuala Lumpur. This dialogue was aimed at sharing best practices on the accession and implementation of UNCAT among relevant ASEAN and OIC member states by regional and international experts. This dialogue was officiated by YB Mohamed Hanipa Maidin, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office (Law), and participated by representatives from Malaysian government agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs), National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), academics, medical practitioners, as well as religious communities. Among the key issues and recommendations they made were that: i. ii. iii. iv. v. Malaysia should emulate Islamic countries like Indonesia and Morocco that have made progress in their anti-torture efforts through the development of a torture prevention mechanism, or the introduction of an anti-torture law domestically. The assumption that Islam and UNCAT are not compatible should not be a hindrance for Malaysia to ratify or accede to the Convention and to advance the human rights agenda within the country. This is because Islam forbids torture and cruelty. The government should study the compatibility of existing domestic laws with UNCAT and amend as necessary, or legislate new laws to give effect to the principles of UNCAT. Legislation is a crucial step towards effective implementation of the Convention. That the long-standing issue of overcrowded prisons should be looked into as it could potentially give rise to incidents of torture and/or illtreatment in places of detention. That it is necessary for anti-torture advocates to create positive narratives in Malaysia to effectively portray that torture is unacceptable to the general public who, by the influence of culture may possibly perceive torture to be acceptable. CHAPTER 1 1. REGIONAL DIALOGUE ON MALAYSIA’S ACCESSION TO UNCAT AND SIDE-EVENTS