Chairman’s Message At the time of writing, the Commission was finalising its reports on two thematic studies namely “The Right to Health in Prison” and “Deaths in Police Custody” that it had embarked on in 2014, to examine the health conditions in Malaysia’s prisons as well as the key issues concerning deaths in police custody, from a human rights perspective. The Commission hopes that the findings and recommendations contained in these reports would be given due consideration by the relevant stakeholders towards bringing Malaysia’s human rights standards on par with international human rights norms. The Commission continued to promote the elimination and prevention of torture and illtreatment through trainings for law enforcement personnel on international human rights standards, and through round-table discussions with relevant stakeholders. The Commission also stepped up its efforts by working with other civil society organisations, to launch the #ACT4CAT #HENTISEKSA campaign, with the aim of advocating for Malaysia’s accession to the Convention Against Torture, and other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), a comprehensive international human rights treaty adopted by the United Nations (UN) to deal with torture and its prevention. Treaties must be upheld in good faith. The Commission expresses its concern over the Government’s delay in submitting its long overdue State Reports to the CEDAW, CRC and CRPD Committees. The Commission deems it important for the Government to ensure the timely submission of its State Report to these expert bodies as this highly reflects on Malaysia’s seriousness in fulfilling its treaty obligations as a UN Member State. During the year, the Commission observed greater challenges to the exercise of civil liberty in the country with the enactment of two repressive laws namely the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (POTA) and National Security Council Act 2015 (NSCA), as well as the continued invocation of the Sedition Act 1948 by the authorities against various individuals for their critical remarks of the Government and public policies. While the Commission recognises and strongly supports the Government’s efforts in maintaining peace and harmony and national security, it also shares the concerns of various stakeholders about the far-reaching impact of these laws on the citizens’ realisation of their fundamental rights and freedoms as enshrined in the Federal Constitution and other international human rights instruments particularly the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 (UDHR). Given the two important international positions assumed by Malaysia, namely the membership on the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the chairmanship of ASEAN, the Commission deems it necessary for the country to respect the principles of human rights at all times, in accordance with the Charter of the UN, the Charter of ASEAN and the ASEAN Declaration on Human Rights, as well as other core human rights instruments, for the common good of all people. Hence, in the context of preserving peace and security, it is significant for the 5 BOOK-ANR2016-01-latest.indb 5 08/04/2016 3:32 PM