CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW Conference on Deradicalization and Countering Violent Extremism in January this year, the Government emphasised again that threats of terrorist attacks were very real and was the reason that the Government passed among others, the SOSMA, Special Measures Against Terrorism in Foreign Countries Act 2015, the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (POTA) and the National Security Council Act 2016; to ensure that the police have the necessary powers at their disposal. But, striking a balance between national security and human rights is crucial for both the success of Malaysia’s counter-terrorism strategies and to maintain the democratic epitomes of our nation. Malaysia must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with its obligations under international law, in particular international human rights and humanitarian law. SUHAKAM does not suggest that we should abnegate from passing counterterrorism laws out of fear of possibly violating human rights. But counter-terrorism legislation should have safeguards against abuse or illegality. It is essential that when extraordinary powers are introduced by the Government, with the potential to infringe basic human rights, these powers are subject to speedy, actual and a thorough review by an independent judiciary. As a fully accredited “A status” national human rights institution, SUHAKAM continued to engage with Parliament at various levels this year. The Belgrade Principles on the Relationship between National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI) and Parliaments (Belgrade Principles) underscores that NHRIs should report directly to Parliament. In particular, NHRIs should submit to Parliament an annual report on activities, along with a summary of its accounts, and also report on the human rights situation in the country and on any other issue that is related to human rights. In turn, Parliaments should receive, review and respond to NHRI reports and ensure that they debate the priorities of the NHRI and should seek opportunities to debate the most significant reports of the NHRI promptly. The correlation between strong democratic governance and the respect for universal human rights is unmistakeable. Recent years have seen a growing international consensus around the importance of the role of Parliament in the promotion, protection and realisation of human rights. As one of the primary institutions of the State, Parliament has a joint responsibility to protect and fulfil human rights and to implement the country’s obligations, alongside the Executive and Judicial branches of Government. To this end, SUHAKAM begun working with Parliament to maximise the human rights protection of all persons within our country. Late in the year, SUHAKAM submitted its detailed observations on the peaceful assembly of November 19, 2016 to the Speaker of Parliament. In accordance with the Belgrade Principles, Parliaments should hold open discussions on the recommendations issued by NHRIs and should seek information from relevant public authorities on the extent to which the relevant public authorities have considered and responded to NHRIs recommendations. 8 SUHAKAM ANNUAL REPORT 2016 suhakam 2new.indd 8 3/23/17 5:54 PM