I raised concerns over maid’s deportation with Cambodian PM, says Anwar

 The prime minister maintains that the decision to deport Nuon Toeun went through a protracted process at several levels.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet knows his background and position on human rights. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had conveyed his concerns to Cambodian prime minister Hun Manet before allowing the deportation of a Cambodian domestic worker for allegedly criticising the country’s former leader.

He said the request for Nuon Toeun’s extradition last year went through the home ministry, which then briefed him on the matter.

“There was a request for extradition by the Cambodian authorities, and the Malaysian police, the immigration department, and the home ministry’s legal department made the recommendations.

“I did communicate with (Hun Manet), that much I did. I said we were concerned, and he knows my position and background (on human rights).

“But he said they have produced all the evidence to Malaysia’s home ministry’s,” Anwar said in an interview with Qatar-based news network Al Jazeera.

He said Cambodia had also promised that Nuon Toeun would go through the due process back in her home country.

Anwar said the decision to deport the domestic worker went through a protracted process at several levels, which meant it was not an easy decision for Malaysia to deport her.

He also said Nuon Toeun’s criticism of former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen – Hun Manet’s father – on Facebook was not the only issue raised by Cambodian authorities.

“But it’s not a question of where I agree or not. It’s purely a legal issue in Cambodia.

“We have to go back to the specific case, we have to establish the case. If the (Malaysian) authorities are convinced, then we send them back. If they’re not convinced, then we delay (the extradition request).”

He also said not acceding to Cambodia’s request presented other risks, including to Malaysia’s bilateral ties with its neighbour, and the cohesion of the Asean bloc.

Putrajaya was criticised by various human rights groups for allowing Nuon Toeun’s deportation in September last year. She was arrested by police at her employer’s home in Selangor before being deported two days later.

She was reportedly being held at a prison in Phnom Penh to be charged with “inciting to commit acts that cause serious disturbance to social security and incite discrimination”.

Hun Sen was Cambodia’s prime minister for four decades before stepping down in 2023 and taking on a role as president of the senate.

While Hun Sen has been recognised for modernising a country recovering from a civil war and genocide, his critics contend that his administration saw the ousting of virtually all political rivals, widespread corruption, and environmental degradation. - FMT