Chapter 1 - Report of the Education and Public Relations Group
On 6 November, the Commission welcomed a six-member delegation from the National Human
Rights Commission of Korea led by Investigation Officer Mr Hwan Seok Choi. They had a special
interest in Malaysia’s policies on social integration of the minorities and protection of their
human rights.
Eighteen undergraduate and post-graduate students of the Faculty of Law, University of Sydney,
Australia, visited the Commission on 17 July as part of their Southeast Asia Winter School
Programme, conducted by the Ahmad Ibrahim Kuliyyah of Laws, International Islamic University
Malaysia. Accompanied by Assoc Prof Dr Khairil Azmin Mokhtar, Director of the Southeast Asia
Winter School Programme, and Dr Salim Ali Farrar, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, University
of Sydney, they were given a briefing by Commissioner Detta Samen on the Commission’s
background, activities and challenges faced. A question-and-answer session followed.
On 11 July, 20 students from the Faculty of Law, Monash University, Australia, called at the
Commission’s office with faculty members Dr Stephen Gray and Dr Heli Askola. They sought
information on the Commission’s activities and a discussion of current issues in Malaysia,
including freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, security and emergency laws, freedom of
religion and the rights of minority groups. They were also briefed on the Commission’s roles and
functions and given the opportunity to observe a public hearing under the Public Inquiry into
Incidents During and After the 28 April 2012 Public Assembly.
On 26 June, the Commission welcomed a delegation from the National Human Rights
Commission of Bangladesh. This was its first visit. The delegation was led by the Chairman,
Prof Dr Mizanur Rahman, and accompanied by six Members and an officer. Their purpose was to
exchange information and ‘best practices’; study the institutional structure of the Commission;
and establish networking between the two NHRIs.
Tan Sri Hasmy Agam, Chairman of the Commission, highlighted ongoing activities including the
National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia; the Public Inquiry into
Incidents During and After the 28 April 2012 Public Assembly; and compilation of the Annual
Report. He also shared his views on the success and challenges faced in upholding human
rights. Commissioner James Nayagam arranged for a field visit to a shelter for victims of
human trafficking in Kuala Lumpur the following day.
On 24 April, the Commission received an informal visit from Professor Geraldine Mackenzie,
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Dean of the Faculty of Law at Bond University. This was
to discuss the Commission’s work and to explore the possibility of internship opportunities for
students of the university.
The Myanmar National Human Rights Commission sent a team for a study-visit on 17 February.
The Commission, represented by Vice-Chairman Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee outlined the work
being done on the National Inquiry into the Land Rights of Indigenous People in Malaysia, and
exchanged ideas on strengthening and protecting human rights.
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