would benefit the economy and government management apart from developing the trust between the government and citizens. The Commission observed that the sharing of views, opinions and knowledge among the participants and distinguished speakers was well received, and participants understood the importance of access to information. While acknowledging the importance of this right, the participants also agreed that several limitations should be imposed as a check and balance between this right and national security. The Commission will keep on recommending the government to engage all stakeholders and the relevant agencies for their input and feedback on any arising issues pertaining to freedom of information in Malaysia and to continue its effort in convincing the government to enact the Right to Information Law that is in line with the international norms and characteristics as well as the socio-political landscape of Malaysia. 9. WATCHING BRIEF IN SYARIAH COURTS The Commission has observed that the civil courts are receptive to the concept of human rights, and since 2011, the Commission has held watching briefs at civil courts. The Commission was of the opinion that this approach could also be applied in the Syariah Courts, and efforts to fulfill this vision have been carried out since 2014. In 2016, the Chief Syariah Judges except the state of Johor agreed for the request of the Commission to conduct watching brief in Syariah Courts. The Commission is pleased by the decision. As an effort to familiarise the State Syariah Courts to the work and intention of the Commission to conduct watching briefs, the Commission had succeeded in organising meetings with the Sarawak Syariah Judiciary Department and Sabah Syariah Judiciary Department in August and October 2017, respectively. At these meetings, the Commission explained the reasoning behind this idea, and the Commission hoped that it helped to dispel any negative notion that human rights are not compatible with Islam. The Commission realises that the actual implementation of this vision may not be realised in the near future as there are several factors that need to be addressed which include the capacity of Syariah lawyers and the 28 S UH A KA M A N N UA L R E P O R T 2 0 1 7