Date: December 19, 2024
Summary of Detentions
- Total Detainees: 2,207 Malaysians
- Timeframe: January–November 2024
- Countries Involved: Over 50
Between January and November 2024, a total of 2,207 Malaysians were detained in over 50 countries for various offenses, according to a statement from the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra). The data was revealed in a written reply on the Parliament’s website in response to a query from Senator C Sivaraj.
Wisma Putra assured that Malaysian diplomatic missions abroad are committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of detained citizens. Measures taken include notifying next of kin, providing lists of legal firms, assisting with securing legal representation, attending court proceedings, transferring funds from families to detainees, and conducting regular consular visits to detention centers.
This year alone, 255 consular visits both regular and ad hoc have been carried out. However, the assistance provided is in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and Malaysia’s foreign policy, which prohibits interference in the legal processes of foreign nations. Wisma Putra emphasized the importance of respecting host countries’ legal systems, just as Malaysia expects others to honor its legal framework.
For Malaysians convicted and sentenced abroad, the completion of their sentences in the host country is mandatory before they can be repatriated.
Regarding bilateral agreements to repatriate detainees, Malaysia has signed International Transfer of Prisoners (ITOP) agreements with Brunei, Iran, and Ukraine. These agreements enable Malaysian detainees abroad to serve the remainder of their sentences in Malaysia and vice versa. However, implementation is subject to various conditions, including bilateral relations and the availability of physical facilities to accommodate transferred prisoners.
In cases where ITOP agreements are not in place, consular assistance remains available through Malaysia’s existing diplomatic ties to ensure the well-being of its citizens detained overseas.
Source: Free Malaysia Today