Recommendations ❖ Prison and detention centres to explore projects with CSOs to support the reintegration of prisoners into the society and to benefit from the partnership for the well-being of society. ❖ Relevant stakeholders such as NHRIs and members of parliament should join and support initiatives by CSOs such as policy research, human rights training, strategic litigation and post-release activities to keep the reform of prison an ongoing process. 8. APPRECIATION SPEECH I. YBhg. Dato’ Haji Nordin Haji Muhamad, Director General, Prison Department Malaysia Datuk Haji Nordin acknowledged that this was the first regional conference on prison reforms and he hoped this program will continue in future. The program was wellattended by various stakeholders such as policy makers, government officials and human rights organizations. Datuk Haji Nordin stated that there is a need to reform the prison as it is the image of the staff itself. Prison system needs thorough improvement in terms of facilities and training. There is a need for full support from policy makers and CSOs in the agenda of prison reform. Exchanges in term of best practices is important for the reform and good relationship with human rights bodies would help stakeholders to focus on the agenda. Datuk Haji Nordin wished the result of the two days conference may help everyone to understand the justification of prison reform. It also increases the spirit and cooperation among Member States in the region to reform and to integrate correction system and could be a model for the criminal justice in the correction of offenders. Datuk Haji Nordin calls stakeholders to civilise prisons and to transform offenders with qualities of a good citizen. He congratulates the Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Prime Minister’s Office, His Excellency British High Commissioner, Chairman of SUHAKAM, SEANF, NGOs and other agencies involved in the conference for the organisation of the International Conference. II. Mr. Jerald Joseph, Commissioner, Human Rights Commissioner of Malaysia When we plan a prison department, we want it to continue. Overcrowding happens in all ASEAN countries. All prisons are still in use and it is difficult to ensure compliance 69