Anwar: Extradition of Cambodian worker followed due process, based on sufficient evidence

New Straits Times

16-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Cambodian domestic worker Nuon Toeun was deported to her home country last year following a request from the Cambodian authorities, who had submitted the necessary evidence to Malaysia's Home Ministry.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysian authorities were convinced by the case before deciding to extradite Toeun, allegedly over a social media post criticising Cambodia's former leader.
"We cannot take the risk as it could affect bilateral relations. We need to establish the case. If we are convinced, meaning the authorities here in Malaysia, we proceed with the extradition. If not, we delay," he said during an interview on Al-Jazeera's 101 East.
Anwar said the Home Ministry had briefed the government on the request from Cambodian authorities, with input from the police, Immigration Department, and the legal division under the ministry.
"I did communicate with the Cambodian Prime Minister (Hun Manet). I expressed our concerns. He knows my position and background, but he said they had provided all the necessary evidence to the Home Ministry," he said.
When interviewer Mary Ann Jolley suggested that the case had tarnished Malaysia's reputation, Anwar disagreed.
"If we have grounds to question, we will continue questioning. If there are reasons to delay, we delay. We must respect their (Cambodia's) laws; otherwise, how do we work to make Asean a credible force?" he said.
Asked if he was satisfied with the outcome, Anwar said it was not a matter of personal satisfaction but of adhering to evidence that suggested an offence had been committed in Cambodia.
"I think there was sufficient reason to agree to the request from the Cambodian authorities. We did not simply concede; the matter was brought up to the prime ministerial level, indicating that it was not an easy decision for us," he said.
Anwar added that the Cambodian government had assured that Toeun would go through the proper legal process upon her return.
In October last year, Toeun, 36, who had worked in Malaysia for several years, was deported following the request from Cambodian authorities. It was reported that she was sentenced to two years' imprisonment and a fine last month.