Chairman’s Message Despite the setbacks, the Commission continued to express its views and positions on contentious human rights issues in accordance with Section 4(2) of its Act. Over the last 12 months, the Commission issued 48 media statements on a range of human rights issues pertaining to the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, older persons and Indigenous Peoples; freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly; human trafficking; refugees; right to health; right to life; counter-terrorism; as well as law reform, among others. The Commission also continued to sensitise the public to human rights issues through its social media sites namely Facebook and Twitter, and was pleased with the growing reach of its social media sites among various stakeholders in Malaysia. As the Commission celebrated its 15th anniversary on 9 September, it reflected on both the challenges it has faced as well as the milestones it has achieved in the last 15 years. Undeniably, it has had its fair share of criticisms from different stakeholders in the country due to their differing perceptions and expectations of the Commission, with some still holding the view that it has not lived up to their expectations while others, especially in the Government, continue to see the Commission as being ‘pro-NGO’ on account of its many statements which were critical of the authorities. In this regard the Commission wishes to reiterate its stand that as an NHRI it has consistently adopted an independent and non-partisan position on issues and while its statements are sometimes critical of certain Government policies and actions whenever they are inconsistent with international human rights principles and norms, they are constructive in character and are impelled by the need to encourage the country to move forward towards becoming a nation with exemplary human rights standards and performance. Notwithstanding the challenges, the Commission has grown in strength in fulfilling its mandate to promote and protect human rights through various activities and programmes. They include: complaints handling; the conduct of national and public inquiries; monitoring of human rights situations, undertaking research and studies and conducting public forums on thematic human rights issues, involving stakeholders, including Government agencies; as well as reviewing of laws and policies that have human rights impacts on the people. As we arrived at this important milestone, I must acknowledge the fact that much of the important work of the Commission has been the result of great and consistent efforts by its former and present Members and staff over the last 15 years. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to have served on the Commission for two consecutive terms. It has also been an honour for me to meet and work with all the good people who remain committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, domestically and internationally. My heartfelt appreciation goes to all of my fellow Commissioners, particularly Vice-Chairman Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee, for her strong support and assistance, and the Secretary and staff of SUHAKAM who have worked diligently and professionally in assisting the Commission 7 BOOK-ANR2016-01-latest.indb 7 08/04/2016 3:32 PM