MP speaks of communication between Cambodian PM and CM prior to release of 47 Msians
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg was in contact with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdec Hun Sen’s office before the decision to release all 47 Malaysian detainees by the Cambodian authorities yesterday.
It is known what had transpired during the communication between the two leaders, but according to Santubong MP Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Hun Sen’s Office had earlier in the morning requested for the Chief Minister’s mobile number and portrait.
“The request was made through the Minister attached to Cambodia Prime Minister, who is also Cambodia’s Secretary of State, Oknha Datuk Dr Othsman Hassan,” he added.
Wan Junaidi is in Cambodia together with the delegation from Sarawak state government, led by Welfare, Community Well-being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah to help seek the release of all the Malaysian detainees through humanitarian diplomacy.
Contacted via telephone around 6pm yesterday, Wan Junaidi said Fatimah, himself and the rest of the members representing Sarawak delegation, earlier had had a discussion with Othsman, who had been specifically assigned by Hun Sen to look into the detainee issue.
“We came to Cambodia to discuss with the Cambodian government and to seek their assistance to release all the Malaysian detainees, who had been duped with job prospects here, through humanitarian diplomacy,” he added.
“During our meeting, we also said this is not the fault of any parties including the Cambodian government. In fact, we are very thankful to the Cambodian government and their generosity as well as willingness to listen to us,” he said.
Wan Junaidi said the Cambodian government had decided to release all the detainees and discharge them of any alleged wrongdoings.
“They (the detainees) will be returning home soon pending processing of their relevant travel documents,” he said, adding: “Fatimah and I have also decided to extend our stay here until all the necessary documents have been completed.”
He said they would be returning home together with the ex-detainees.
As at press time, however, it is not certain as to when they would be returning home.
On another note, Wan Junaidi expressed his gratitude to the Cambodian government for the good treatment accorded to all the Malaysians who were being detained at its provincial prison in Banteay Meanchey, Siem Reap.
“All the detainees are well-treated. They are well-taken care of by the prison wardens and officials. The cheerfulness on their faces was evident of the good treatment they received while in the prison. We personally saw this when we went to meet up with them,” he added.
Wan Junaidi expressed his gratitude to Hun Sen for his concern in addressing the issue and in dropping all charges of alleged wrongdoings against the detainees.
He also thanked Abang Johari and the state government for the strong support rendered in efforts to release all the detainees.
