The Commission was particularly grateful for the support of YB Senator Datuk Paul Low for his ongoing effort in pushing the human rights agenda forward. One significant result was the establishment of a Task Force on Alternatives To Detention by the Cabinet aimed at addressing the issue of children in detention centres. The Commission also looks forward to engaging closely with the Parliament, especially the Office of the President of the Senate, in three proposed areas of collaboration which are as follows: Dissemination of the Commission’s annual report to members of Senate. ii) Closer engagement with Majlis Senator Malaysia (MSM) to exchange views and feedback on pertinent human rights issues particularly complaints on human rights violations. iii) Organising of human rights education and training programmes for officers in the Office of the Senator. CHAPTER 2 i) While there has been some progress in regard to the Commission’s engagement with some of the key stakeholders, it was observed that not all of the meetings that were held in the name of engagement yielded the desired results. There remain contentious human rights issues that could not be possibly addressed by the Commission alone without the political will and full support of policymakers and members of the legislature at both the Federal and State levels. One such pressing issue is the land rights of Indigenous Peoples in Malaysia - rights that have long been advocated by the Commission and other stakeholders. This matter is one that shold be dealt with urgently for the wellbeing of the indigenous communities. As a national body created through a Parliamentary Act, it is hoped that the Government and Parliament see the Commission as their key counterpart and ally in their efforts to promote and uphold human rights standards in the country. 7. THE WAY FORWARD In forthcoming year, the Commission will intensify its efforts to enhance public visibility of the Commission as well as to promote better understanding of human rights in all spheres. To achieve this, the Commission recognises the need to strengthen its strategic partnerships and public engagement with various stakeholders across the country, as well as the need to deliver more impactful work that empower people to realise their basic rights and freedoms more effectively. SUHAKAM ANNUAL REPORT 2016 89 suhakam 2new.indd 89 3/23/17 5:54 PM