Section 21 of the Act requires SUHAKAM to submit annual and thematic reports to Parliament. Annual reports must be presented no later than the first meeting of Parliament for the following year, while thematic reports can be submitted at any time. The SCA notes that while previous reports have been debated in Parliament, there is no requirement for SUHAKAM reports to be debated by Parliament. 

The SCA notes that the most recent publicly available annual report covers 2023 and SUHAKAM indicates that the 2024 report will be tabled before Parliament in 2026 while the 2025 report is being drafted. The SCA acknowledges the report from SUHAKAM that amendments are being proposed to enable the tabling of its report during the year therefore requiring Parliament to debate the report. SUHAKAM also reports that in practice, its reports are discussed by Parliament. 

The SCA reiterates that it is important for the enabling law to establish a process whereby the NHRI reports are required to be publicly circulated, and tabled, discussed and considered by parliament. It is important for an NHRI to prepare, publicize and widely distribute an annual report on its national situation with regard to human rights in general, and on more specific matters, is stressed. The SCA therefore recommends SUHAKAM to issue, publish and widely circulate its reports in a timely manner and continue to advocate for its reports to be discussed by parliament. 

The SCA refers to Paris Principle A.3 and to its General Observation 1.11 on ‘Annual reports of NHRIs’.