3. UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION ON MODERATION The Commission congratulates the government in particular the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the adoption of the UN General Assembly Resolution on Moderation at the 72nd Session of the UNGA in December 2017. The resolution, which was sponsored by Malaysia, was adopted with a recorded vote of 135 member states in favour, two against and no abstention. The resolution underscores moderation as an important approach for countering terrorism and calls upon the international community to support the Global Movement of Moderates initiative as well as to continue promoting moderation as a value that reinforces peace, security and development. The Resolution also decides to proclaim 2019 as the International Year of Moderation. The Commission is particularly pleased that the Resolution also emphasises the importance of human rights education for the effective realisation of human rights. Although questions have been raised regarding the delay in introducing the Resolution, considering that the proposal for the Global Movement of Moderates was mooted by the Honourable Prime Minister seven years ago, the adoption of the Resolution showcased the Malaysian Government’s leadership and resolve to champion moderation as a means to create a more peaceful and secure world. S U H A K A M A N N U A L R EPOR T 2017 53 1 The aforesaid factors could also have contributed to the erosion of the international community’s confidence in Malaysia, and the Commission believes that Malaysia’s unsuccessful bid for a HRC seat is a reflection of an unimpressive image the country portrays as an advocate of human rights. C H A P T E R Also, certain issues and practices at the domestic level have become serious human rights concerns. The escalation of arrests under the Sedition Act especially in 2014 is perceived to be an unnecessary restriction to freedom of expression. The number of deaths in places of detention as well as the relatively large number of cases on ill-treatment of detainees that possibly amount to acts of torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, is also alarming. These are among some concerns that surely do not reflect well on Malaysia at the international arena.