“In accordance with section 21 of the Act, SUHAKAM may submit annual and thematic reports to Parliament. However, there is no requirement for the Parliament to debate the report.

The SCA acknowledges advice from SUHAKAM that, for the first time, in 2018, its Annual Report was debated in the Parliament and that it is proposing amendments to the Act to include a requirement for Parliament to debate its reports.

The SCA considers it important that the enabling law establish a process whereby the NHRIs reports are required to be publicly circulated, and tabled, discussed and considered by the legislature. It is preferable for an NHRI to have the explicit power to table reports directly in the legislature, rather than through the Executive, and in doing so to promote action on them.

The SCA encourages SUHAKAM to continue to advocate for this competence.”