CHAPTER 1 vi) Pendakwa Raya v Jannie Lasimbang: on freedom of peaceful assembly. For the purpose of the watching briefs, the Commission was represented by several legal counsels from the Malaysia Bar Council, namely Ms Sharifah Norafisah Syaid Abas Al-Juffrie, Mr Mansoor Saat and Mr George John. The representation was done on a pro bono basis. Throughout the watching briefs held by the Commission, it was observed that the participation of the Commission was well received by the courts. The Commission would like to extend its gratitude on the permission given and hopes the practice will be continued as it is beneficial for the protection and development of human rights in Malaysia. The Commission hopes to extend its participation and play a more active role in court cases in the capacity of a friend of the court (amicus curiae). This initiative is still under study and the Commission hopes to implement it in 2017. (b) Syariah Courts (i) Workshop with Selangor Syariah Judges on International Human Rights Instruments Since 2014, the Commission has been committed to expanding its efforts to hold watching briefs in cases involving human rights violations in the Syariah Courts, and for that purpose, the Commission has held a number of meetings with JAKESS, JAKIM, Syariah Lawyers Association of Malaysia (PGSM), and Muslim Lawyers Association of Malaysia (PPMM) throughout 2015. Workshop held for Judges and ‘Sulh’ Officers of the Selangor Syariah Courts 40 SUHAKAM ANNUAL REPORT 2016 suhakam 2new.indd 40 3/23/17 5:54 PM