A/HRC/11/30* Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its fourth session from 2 to 13 February 2009. The review of Malaysia was held at the 16th meeting on 11 February 2009. The delegation of Malaysia was headed by H.E. Rastam Mohd. Isa, Secretary-General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At its meeting held on 13 February 2009, the Working Group adopted the present report on Malaysia. 2. On 8 September 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Malaysia: Nicaragua, Qatar, and Egypt. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Malaysia: (a) A national report submitted / written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/4/MYS/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/4/ MYS/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/4/MYS/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Czech Republic, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Finland was transmitted to Malaysia through the troika. These questions are available on the UPR extranet. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. At the 16th meeting, on 11 February 2009, Malaysia presented its national report and indicated that it was drafted by a working group encompassing relevant government agencies, the National Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM) as well as human rights NGOs. 6. The delegation noted that respect for human rights has been long established given the country’s character as a melting pot of various cultures, religions and ethnicities. In considering the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the exercise of international obligations, Malaysia’s unique character required prime importance be given to national unity, stability and security. The colonial period introduced the practice of associating ethnicity with particular economic activities, resulting in huge income and wealth disparities. In extreme cases, the promotion of hatred and violence among the various ethnic groups led to serious consequences, culminating in the explosive race riots of May 1969. In response, the Government radically modified its approach in tackling social inequalities by initiating the New Economic Policy in 1971 which aimed at universal poverty reduction through equitable redistribution of wealth. Today, Malaysia is a robust democracy fully committed to the principles of rule of law, good governance, integrity and accountability. Efforts have been largely devoted to achieving inter-racial harmony, and equitable socio-economic development, while taking into account individual human rights and fundamental freedoms. GE.09-16360 3