PUTRAJAYA: Wisma Putra has appealed to the Cambodian government for the speedy release of 47 Malaysians who are currently being detained in Banteay Meanchey.
Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said he has already been in contact with his counterpart, who is also the Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister, this evening to help secure their quick release.
“I emphasised that Malaysia respects the sovereignty of Cambodian law, and the Malaysian government always reminds its people to respect local laws wherever they are.
“In this respect, Malaysia has appealed for consideration over the matter to be expedited so that they can return to their families as soon as possible.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to convey Malaysia’s appreciation for the cooperation extended by Cambodia, especially in allowing several visit by the consular from the Malaysian embassy in Phnom Penh to the detainees.
“On a personal note, I wish to thank the Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister for his concern over this matter,” he said in a statement tonight.
Saifuddin said he has already asked for the Cambodian authorities to offer the cooperation to ensure that the welfare of the Malaysians involved are looked after.
He said two senior Foreign Ministry officials, comprising the Consular Department secretary and head of the ministry’s legal department, have departed for Banteay Meanchey to continue discussions with the Cambodian authorities concerning the detention of the Malaysians.
“At the same time, Ruzaimi Mohamad from the Malaysian High Commission in Phnom Penh has been in Banteay Meanchey since Feb 12 to provide consular aid for the Malaysians.
“This is a follow-up to the consular aid already given by the High Commission officers on January 22.
“The Malaysian High Commission has also facilitated the visit by Julau member of parliament Larry Sng Wei Shien and a number of the detainees’ families to the Banteay Manchey prison.
“On the embassy’s initiative, a doctor from a non-governmental organisation, Hospitals Beyond Boundaries, also participated in the visit to ensure that the detainees are in healthy condition,” he said.
