KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian embassy in Nepal said it has faced difficulties in facilitating Mala Vello's return to Malaysia due to political uncertainty in the south Asian country.
Its charge d'affaires Mohd Firdaus Azman told the New Straits Times that the embassy had issued two diplomatic notes in 2022, requesting the Nepali government's consideration for Mala's release, or at least to reduce the fine imposed on her.
Efforts, he said, were still being made to free her from prison.
He said the embassy had also sent an official letter to Nepal's Immigration Department director-general in March 2022 and met with several ministers from its Foreign Affairs Ministry to explore ways to assist Mala.
Firdaus said based on their engagement with the ministry, Mala's case had to be referred to several agencies, namely the Finance Ministry, Immigration Department and Central Police before a proposal could be brought forth for parliamentary approval.
"Any decision to reduce the fine and/or her immediate release will need approval from Parliament.
"Unfortunately, as Nepal experienced frequent changes (almost annually) of its cabinet members, the embassy had to keep meeting new ministers.
"Nepal had again reshuffled its entire cabinet in March.
"The last time was in February 2023 and due to this, the embassy will again have to pay a courtesy call on the new ministers to consult on the matter."
He said the embassy was waiting for an appointment with the new deputy prime minister and foreign minister, and would again bring Mala's case to the attention of the Nepalese government for their consideration.
Firdaus said the embassy had also carried out several consular visits and handed out food items and basic necessities to Mala and others who were also serving their jail terms in Nepal.
He said based on information gleaned by the embassy, Mala entered Nepal with a social visa with her partner, a Nepalese, on Feb 23, 2012.
He said the couple later married according to local customs. However, they did not register their marriage with any local authorities as required by law.
Mala never renewed her visa, while her Malaysian passport was reportedly lost while in her husband's possession.
"Based on the information provided by Mala, the embassy is of the view that Mala had come to Nepal with a clear intention of marrying and staying together with her husband's family.
"The problem occurred once her husband left for India and she found herself in a bitter relationship with her in-law.
"The situation prompted her to leave the family and find ways to return to Malaysia.
"Nevertheless, regardless of whether this case falls under human trafficking or otherwise, under the obligation of protecting all Malaysians, the embassy will continue to follow up on the matter and find ways to bring the matter to the attention of the government of Nepal," he said.
