Chapter 3 - Report of the Research and Policy Development Group Corporate Division, ACLEDA Bank Plc; Prof Amara Pongsapich, Chair of the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand; Prof Dato’ Dr Aishah Bidin, Commissioner of SUHAKAM; and Ms Nor Azimah Abdul Aziz, Director of Corporate Development and Policy Division, Companies Commission of Malaysia. Panel Presenters for Session 2 of the RTD on Business and Human Rights on 10 November. From left: Ms Nor Azimah Abdul Aziz (Director of Corporate Development and Policy Division, Companies Commission of Malaysia), Datuk Dr Khaw Lake Tee (Vice Chair, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia), Professor Amara Pongsapich (Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission of Thailand) and Prof Dato’ Dr Aishah Bidin (Commissioner, Human Rights Commission of Malaysia) The following issues and recommendations were raised during the RTD: i. As Malaysia will be assuming the Chairmanship of ASEAN next year, it would be opportune for Malaysia to explore further issues pertaining to business and human rights. In view of the apparent shift in the policy of non-interference, which would impact cross-border issues, it was recommended that a regional mechanism on business and human rights, enumerating common guidelines or standards on cross-border issues particularly on migration, trafficking and child labour be developed and adopted by ASEAN. The mechanism will ensure that it is the responsibility of the States and business entities to guarantee that the rights of all parties are respected and protected. ii. Human rights present cross-cutting issues and therefore in dealing with the issues of business and human rights, inter-ministry/agency cooperation is essential. It was suggested that the Government institute a cross-functional committee to develop the National Action Plan (on business and human rights) and in realising this idea, the Prime Minister’s Office could play an active role. It was further suggested that the Government play the role of a convener to bring business entities and civil society groups, who are often at odds due to differences of priority, to the same table for discussions and identifying common priorities. iii. It was highlighted that business entities should ensure that recruitment of migrant workers was in line with applicable laws and policies. Laws affecting migrant workers 69