others, the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges faced by various communities, and best practices in terms of recovery and rebuilding lives impacted by the pandemic. The Foreign Minister also announced Malaysia’s bid for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2022-2024 term. Given the announcement, SUHAKAM hopes the government will undertake concrete actions to effectively address the longstanding human rights issues in Malaysia, as highlighted in its Annual Reports. Looking back, 2020 was a challenging year for all. However, the fight against COVID-19 has yet to end. It continues to hang over Malaysia. There has to be full cooperation and discipline from everyone to stop the virus from spreading further. SUHAKAM observed that the pandemic dramatically impacted the economic, social and cultural rights of vulnerable groups. They lost income and jobs and faced challenges in accessing basic healthcare and education services. In this regard, SUHAKAM welcomed the government’s economic stimulus packages and the 2021 National Budget, which aims to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the people. The pandemic has also fuelled racism and xenophobia around the world, especially towards refugees and migrants. In Malaysia, we saw an increase in racist and xenophobic remarks from the public towards refugees and migrant workers. It is crucial to note that migrants and refugees, regardless of their immigration status, are human beings and should be accorded equal respect and rights. In this regard, in November 2020, SUHAKAM adopted a Strategic Plan 2021-2025. The Strategic Plan charts SUHAKAM’s goals for the next five years, including strengthening our organisational capacity and role as an NHRI, advancing economic, social and cultural rights of vulnerable groups in Malaysia, combating racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, and enhancing the realisation of children’s rights. We hope the Strategic Plan will navigate SUHAKAM in fulfilling our statutory mandate and functions, including advocacy, promotion and education, investigation, and contribute towards the betterment of human rights in Malaysia. Together, we can fight the pandemic and guide Malaysia back to the path of recovery and realise human rights for all. Tan Sri Othman Hashim ANNUAL REPORT 2020 xi