SUHAKAM developed and presented several policy briefs highlighting the human rights areas of concern and key consideration given Malaysia’s COVID-19 response. The briefs related to civil and political rights, freedom of speech and information and women’s rights in Malaysia. SUHAKAM also gave input for the Temporary Measures for Reducing the Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Bill 2020. The recommendations comprised information gathered through consultations with stakeholders in April and SUHAKAM’s examination of various laws related to human rights protection during COVID-19 and MCO. Indigenous Peoples (IP) continue to be affected by the consequences of mainstream development and are often deprived of a land and resource base. SUHAKAM received 17 complaints from the indigenous community – nine in Peninsular Malaysia, seven in Sabah and one in Sarawak. Complaints on land rights remain the most common and highest number received. Most of the complaints in Peninsular Malaysia were connected to infrastructure, basic necessities, and dam construction. SUHAKAM continued engaging with the Legal Affairs Department (BHEUU) in the Prime Minister’s Department (PM’s Department) and Department for Orang Asli Advancement (JAKOA) to address matters related to Orang Asli. On 15 January, SUHAKAM met the JAKOA Director General to discuss the development and progress of the Orang Asli community, the National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples (NI), and issues in relation to the Forestry Department and Department of Wildlife and National Parks in Peninsular Malaysia. We also discussed the Orang Asli in Kuala Koh, Kelantan and other Orang Asli complaints. The Director General proposed A Joint Committee comprising SUHAKAM and JAKOA to improve the complaints management process. SUHAKAM welcomes BHEUU’s invitation to a ‘Mesyuarat Penyelarasan Status Terkini Pelaksanaan Enam Rumusan Tindakan dan Hala Tuju Jawatankuasa Khas Kabinet Mengenai Hak Tanah Orang Asal/Asli (JKKHTOA), to discuss and to provide the latest updates of the six recommendations made by the Special Cabinet Committee on Orang Asli/Asal Land Rights. In Sabah and Sarawak, land matters and Native Customary Rights (NCR) involving Indigenous Peoples continue to be among the most critical issues. Complaints received from the indigenous communities in Sarawak mainly relate to nationality, especially on children’s citizenship, and the late registration of birth certificates or identification cards. xx ANNUAL REPORT 2020