The Commission is fully supportive of the government’s efforts in this regard but is concerned about certain actions taken by the government at the domestic front such as the banning of the publication by G25 entitled ‘Breaking the Silence: Voices of Moderation - Islam in a Constitutional Democracy’ and the arrest and detention of a Turkish journalist, Mustafa Akyol. These acts are in stark contradiction to what the government is advocating internationally about moderation, and by taking such a conservative approach on matters pertaining to freedom of expression, the government is sending mixed signals to both the international community and Malaysians about its actual stance on moderation. The Commission hopes that the government will cease to undertake actions that are not only inconsistent with the principle of press freedom but also actions that will taint the government’s image at the international stage. Surely, what is championed externally must also be embraced and practised at home. 4. ASEAN CONSENSUS ON MIGRANT WORKERS After a decade of negotiations, ASEAN member states finally agreed on a document that would constitute an ASEAN instrument on migrant workers, as stipulated by the 2007 ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers. The document which is called the ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers was endorsed by ASEAN Heads of Government at the 31st ASEAN Summit in Manila in November 2017. The Commission welcomes the adoption of the ASEAN Consensus on Migrant Workers as it signifies a renewed commitment by ASEAN member states to strengthen rights protection, enhance access to justice and uphold fair treatment, for migrant workers in the region. It is a positive step in promoting greater respect and fulfilment of the rights of migrant workers. Nonetheless, it is regrettable that the ASEAN Consensus falls short of expectations as it is not a binding instrument and most of the provisions in the document, although well-intentioned and supportive of migrant workers’ rights, are subject to national laws and policies, which in the case of Malaysia, are not entirely on par with international standards at the 54 S UH A KA M A N N UA L R E P O R T 2 0 1 7