Key Issues 13. NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS ACTION PLAN (NHRAP) The Commission appreciates the Government’s efforts, through its focal agency, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department, in engaging the Commission and civil society organisations at the preparatory stage to obtain feedback regarding the development of the NHRAP. In addition, the Commission commends the establishment of a Coordination Committee for the Development of the NHRAP, of which the Commission has been identified as a member, and looks forward to contributing ideas and advice to develop an earnest yet practical NHRAP. Nevertheless, the Commission is concerned about the slow progress and hopes that the Government will ensure that development of the NHRAP will be prioritised for completion. The Commission hopes that the Government will also consider incorporating the recommendations derived from the UPR and treaty bodies’ sessions on Malaysia into the NHRAP. 14. PARLIAMENTARY SELECT COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS The Commission, as required by Section 21(1) of its founding Act, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999, has been submitting its Annual Report to Parliament at every first sitting of the year since its inception, but none of the reports has ever been debated. However, the recent announcement on the setting up of a Permanent Parliamentary Select Committee on Human Rights is much welcomed by the Commission and is viewed as a positive step toward improving the human rights situation. The Select Committee will provide an important forum for Members of Parliament to discuss the findings of the Commission’s Annual Report and to address the issues raised and to consider recommendations therein. Nevertheless, the Commission will continue to urge the Government to table and debate the Annual Report in Parliament, consistent with the practice in many countries that have a NHRI. 15. GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE COMMISSION’S ANNUAL REPORT 2011 At the time of writing, the Commission has yet to receive the Government’s response to its Annual Report 2011, and therefore is unable to assess whether the Ministries and government agencies concerned have given any consideration to the Commission’s findings and recommendations or taken any action to improve the human rights situation as highlighted in that Report. 24