CH A PT E R 1 Nevertheless, SUHAKAM failed to obtain consensus for its latter recommendation to ratify international human rights treaties. SUHAKAM was advised to review its proposal in light of local norms, values and cultures. SUHAKAM was not discouraged by the decision and will seek initiatives to further strengthen its research on human rights issues in Malaysia. SUHAKAM is still in contact with the GIACC so as to update them of the progress of actions taken by SUHAKAM, pertaining to the proposals mentioned above. As a follow-up action, in November 2018, SUHAKAM met with the Solicitor General as well as the Attorney General to obtain their views and advice on any possible action that SUHAKAM could consider in order to expedite the process of amending its parent Act and convincing the government of its proposals. SUHAKAM is overwhelmed by the good response from both meetings and the willingness of the Office of the Attorney General to assist SUHAKAM to refine its proposed Bill. SUHAKAM is expected to send a revised version of its bill to the Office of Attorney General by end of January 2019. It is hoped that the proposed amendments will be considered thoroughly by the government as they are pivotal to increasing SUHAKAM’s effectiveness, clarifying ambiguous provisions and bringing the Act fully in line with the Paris Principles and the Belgrade Principles (which define the relationship between NHRIs and parliaments) with a view to strengthening and better describing the ‘effective cooperation’ stipulated in the Paris Principles. 4. Review of Laws SUHAKAM plays a crucial role in advancing all aspects of the rule of law and in promoting and monitoring the effective implementation of international human rights standards at the national level, through a review of existing laws. This year SUHAKAM considered the following: a) Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM) Malaysia is a popular destination among migrant workers for economic reasons or as a transit country. However, these vulnerable groups are at risk of becoming victims of sexual and labour trafficking. SUHAKAM has consistently called on the government to intensify its efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants, as well as to ensure full protection and assistance for trafficked and smuggled victims at all stages, in line with the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. With regard to this, SUHAKAM appreciates the efforts made by the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (MAPO) to enhance the ATIPSOM Act. SUHAKAM ANNUAL REPORT 2018 57