PKR Youth has urged the New Zealand government to extradite Deputy Federal Territories Minister Edmund Santhara to Malaysia if the latter is found to have broken local laws.
It also wanted an explanation as to why the politician could enter and remain in the country for an extended period of time.
Santhara previously said he underwent quarantine in New Zealand on Dec 24, 2020, and had managed to obtain 55 days' leave from Putrajaya to visit family members there.
It has been 83 days since Dec 24. The Segamat MP’s whereabouts are presently unknown.
Earlier today, Federal Territories PKR Youth chief P Prabakaran submitted a memorandum to the New Zealand High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.
“Edmund Santhara needs to be investigated and extradited back to Malaysia if he has been found to have violated any laws or Covid-19 immigrations rules in New Zealand.
“The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade must explain the protocol, rules and agreements that it gave for a Malaysian deputy minister to be able to travel to New Zealand,” he told a press conference this morning.
Elaborating, the opposition Batu MP urged the New Zealand government to disclose what guidelines it had imposed on Santhara when he entered the country on Christmas Eve.
“We submit this memorandum on behalf of the Malaysian public, especially for Segamat residents.
“The economic effects of the Covid-19 epidemic have caused many families in Malaysia to lose jobs and sources of income. Not only that, but many have also not been able to travel abroad to visit their children and family members, including those in New Zealand.
“Therefore, we want further explanation on how Santhara was not only able to leave Malaysia but also allowed to be with his family in New Zealand for 55 days,” he said.
Prabakaran regretted that he was not able to discuss this issue in the Dewan Rakyat as Parliament remained suspended during the emergency.
The memorandum was received by the high commission’s policy and public affairs officer Cameron Evans.
Wellington has yet to respond to questions over whether Santhara was accorded any special treatment.
Local news organisation Stuff previously reported that the New Zealand immigration government could not disclose information on Santhara without a privacy waiver.
Malaysiakini understands that the deputy minister is expected to return this Saturday (Mar 20). - Mkini
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