KUALA LUMPUR (March 13): Non-profit Shift said it has left Sime Darby Plantation Bhd's new human rights commission after the Malaysian palm oil giant sued an activist, potentially dealing a blow to its fight against a US import ban over forced labour accusations.

An activist said he is also considering leaving the two-week-old panel after the world's largest sustainable palm oil producer sued Liberty Shared managing director Duncan Jepson, in connection with claims of worker abuse.