Cambodian PM provided 'proof' for maid extradition request - Anwar

Summary

• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim addresses concerns about the deportation of a Cambodian domestic worker, Nuon Toeun, stating that Cambodia provided evidence for the extradition request.

• Anwar emphasises that the decision involved multiple Malaysian authorities and was not taken lightly, involving communication with Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet.

• Human rights groups have criticised the deportation, which was based on alleged criticism and other legal issues in Cambodia, with Anwar noting the need to maintain bilateral relations within Asean.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he had expressed concerns to his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet before Malaysia deported a Cambodian domestic worker accused of criticising Phnom Penh’s former leader.

Speaking to Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera, Anwar explained that the extradition request for Nuon Toeun last year was handled through the Home Ministry, which later briefed him on the case.

“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 (above, left), 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,” Anwar added.

He said Cambodia had also given its assurance that Nuon would be accorded due process upon her return.

Anwar stressed that the decision to deport the woman was not made lightly.

“It went through a protracted process at several levels,” he said, indicating that it was not a straightforward matter for Putrajaya.

Legal issue in Cambodia

The prime minister also noted that Nuon’s alleged criticism of former Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen - Hun Manet’s father - on Facebook was not the sole issue raised by Phnom Penh.

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

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

Anwar further pointed out that rejecting Cambodia’s request could have jeopardised Malaysia’s bilateral relations and impacted cohesion within the Asean bloc.

Nuon’s deportation in September last year drew strong criticism from human rights organisations. She was arrested by police at her employer’s residence in Selangor and deported two days later.

According to reports, she is being held in a Phnom Penh prison and is expected to face charges of “inciting to commit acts that cause serious disturbance to social security and incite discrimination”.

Hun Sen ruled Cambodia for nearly 40 years before stepping down in 2023. While credited with rebuilding the nation after years of conflict and genocide, his administration was also accused of silencing political opposition, perpetuating corruption, and causing environmental harm.

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