Chapter 3- Report of the Research and Policy Development Group Views were expressed on certain provisions of the ICCPR: (ii) • Article 6 (Death penalty) The Government’s plan to review the mandatory death sentence for drug offenders was lauded as the crime is not considered a most serious crime, unlike murder. It was recommended that the Government consider a moratorium on the death penalty or commuting it to life imprisonment, especially for those who have been on death row for more than five years. • Article 9 (Arbitrary arrest or detention) It was felt that the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 could be exploited as the police have the power to detain anyone believed to be involved in security offences. For instance, section 4(5) states that a police officer above the rank of Superintendent may extend the period of detention for a maximum of 28 days for the purpose of investigation. • Article 22 (Freedom of association) Participants expressed concern that the Registrar of Societies has the power to refuse to register an association, under section 7 of the Societies Act 1966. It was agreed that such registration should be merely for administrative purposes and not to restrict freedom of association. ICESCR discussion The meeting with civil society groups was held on 27 March and with government agencies on 22 August, in Kuala Lumpur. The discussion centred on several issues: ICESCR discussion with NGOs in Kuala Lumpur • 88 Article 13 and Article 14 (Right to education) The MOE has introduced the Literacy and Numeracy Screening scheme to address the high illiteracy rate among students. However, the use of Bahasa Melayu as the medium language of instruction has contributed to the slow increase of literacy among Orang Asli/Asal students. It was suggested that teachers should equip themselves with basic knowledge of Bahasa Orang Asli/Asal, to assist students to better understand lessons.