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Malaysiakini
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Strengthening regional cooperation: Highlights of the 25th SOMTC Meeting and Its Related Meetings in Putrajaya
The 25th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) and Its Related Meetings were successfully convened over three days in Putrajaya, with a total of 200 delegates in attendance. This high-level meeting serves as a key platform for ASEAN Member States to align regional efforts in addressing transnational crimes, including contemporary security challenges such as human trafficking, money laundering and cybercrime. Day One (24 June 2025): Opening Ceremony and Malaysia's Strategic Recommendations The meeting was officiated by YB Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, Minister of Home Affairs, with the first day's plenary session chaired by YBhg. Datuk Awang Alik bin Jeman, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) Malaysia. During this session, ASEAN Member States exchanged insights on best practices, contemporary challenges, and recent policy initiatives in addressing transnational crime. The Malaysian delegation highlighted several notable initiatives, including integrated enforcement at national entry points, monitoring of undocumented migrants, and enhanced collaboration with enforcement agencies. Malaysia also put forward a proposal to establish a SOMTC Working Group on Anti-Money Laundering, aimed at addressing illicit financial flows in the region, as well as the development of the ASEAN Plan of Action to Combat Transnational Crime (2026–2035). This proposal received strong support from Member States and is recommended to be tabled at the upcoming ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) in September 2025. The meeting also deliberated on issues concerning funding for security operations and technical cooperation with dialogue partners such as the United Kingdom, UNODC, and ASEAN-ACT. Presentations from these partners provided comprehensive insights into future cooperation on cybercrime, capacity building, and strategic mapping of regional security risks. The Retreat Session was also held on the first day, where the SOMTC Heads of Delegation exchanged views on expanding the scope of cybercrime and funding for regional cooperation. Day Two (25 June 2025): Consultations with ASEAN Dialogue Partners Four (4) SOMTC Consultation Sessions with ASEAN Dialogue Partners were held as follows: 13th SOMTC + Canada Consultation , co-chaired by Lao PDR 13th SOMTC + New Zealand Consultation , co-chaired by Viet Nam 12th SOMTC + India Consultation , co-chaired by Philippines 12th SOMTC + Russia Consultation, co-chaired by Myanmar Malaysia presented substantive interventions across several aspects of strategic cooperation, including: Capacity building through technical training and officer exchange programs Advancing the use of technology in digital crime detection Developing protocols for cross-border intelligence sharing These consultation sessions also offered opportunities to explore technology synergies and knowledge exchange, reflecting Malaysia's role in driving digital transformation in law enforcement. The second-day meeting concluded by midday, allowing delegates to engage and strengthen ties through participation in side programs and informal gatherings. Day Three (26 June 2025): Malaysia's Leadership in Multilateral Consultations Malaysia demonstrated its continued regional leadership with YBhg. Datuk Awang Alik bin Jeman serving as Co-Chair in two major consultation sessions: 22nd SOMTC + 3 Consultation , involving Japan, China, and South Korea, co-chaired with H.E. Minami Hiroyuki from Japan 22nd SOMTC + China Consultation, co-chaired with H.E. Jun Tan from the People's Republic of China Several other consultation sessions included: 21st SOMTC + Japan , co-chaired by Singapore 18th SOMTC + Republic of Korea , co-chaired by Thailand 19th SOMTC + Australia , co-chaired by Indonesia 13th SOMTC + European Union , co-chaired by Brunei Darussalam 17th SOMTC + United States, co-chaired by Cambodia Malaysia reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to strengthening practical cooperation, enhancing information exchange, and building the operational capacity of Member States in addressing rising complexity of transnational crime threats. Bilateral Meetings: Multi-Layered Diplomacy Throughout the three-days meeting, Malaysia held several bilateral meetings with its strategic partners, including Singapore, the United States, Australia, India, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Key discussions included: Harmonisation of international conventions on trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants Development of joint training pathways and regional digital information platforms Strengthening Regional Resilience in a New Era The 25th SOMTC Meeting served as a vital platform for strengthening regional security cooperation, in line with ASEAN's vision of a peaceful, resilient, and transnational crime-free region. Malaysia further consolidated its leadership role in policy coordination, strategic negotiations, and operational cooperation, emphasizing that ASEAN security is a collective responsibility that requires proactive measures and long-term strategic thinking—aligned with the theme of 'inclusivity and sustainability' under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. This content is provided by Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia (MOHA) The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini. Interested in having your press releases, exclusive interviews, or branded content articles on Malaysiakini? For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
Malaysiakini
7 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Malaysia rallies ASEAN against transnational crime under 2025 chairmanship
PUTRAJAYA – As part of Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) is proudly fulfilling its responsibility to lead the regional security agenda, driving forward strategic initiatives to combat transnational crime and deepen ASEAN cooperation. In a strong start to the year, MOHA hosted several high-impact meetings addressing critical cross-border threats. The first of these was the 3rd SOMTC Working Group Meeting on General Transnational Crime Matters, held on 4 February 2025 in Johor Bahru. At the meeting, the SOMTC priority areas were reviewed, and the establishment of a SOMTC Working Group on Money Laundering was proposed — a bold step to strengthen regional efforts against financial crimes. Momentum continued in Penang, where MOHA convened back-to-back engagements on 18 and 19 February 2025: the 39th Meeting of the ASEAN Heads of Specialist Anti-Trafficking Units (HSU) and the inaugural SOMTC Working Group Meeting on People Smuggling. These platforms provided opportunities for ASEAN Member States to exchange intelligence, share best practices, and align regional strategies in tackling human trafficking and people smuggling. As Chair of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia — through MOHA — has been entrusted with leading the development of two major policy documents: the ASEAN Plan of Action to Combat Transnational Crime (2026–2035) and the SOMTC Work Programme (2026–2028). In support of this effort, an Ad Hoc SOMTC Working Group Meeting on the Draft ASEAN Plan of Action to Combat Transnational Crime (2026–2035) was held from 14 to 16 May 2025. Both documents will be discussed at the upcoming 25th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) in Putrajaya and are expected to shape the next decade of ASEAN's crime prevention agenda. This effort underscores ASEAN's commitment to inclusive and security-oriented integration. Through these initiatives, MOHA is not only reinforcing Malaysia's commitment to regional peace and security but also affirming the country's role as a driving force behind a safer, more resilient ASEAN. This content is provided by Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia (MOHA) The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini. Interested in having your press releases, exclusive interviews, or branded content articles on Malaysiakini? For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]
The Star
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Extradition hearing for Indonesian businessman Tannos begins in Singapore
Indonesian Paulus Tannos, also known as Tjhin Thian Po, was arrested in Singapore on Jan 17. - SCREENGRAB FROM SINGAPORE: A court hearing is taking place here that will determine whether an Indonesian businessman in a high-profile corruption case will be extradited to his home country. The hearing on Monday (June 23) regarding Paulus Tannos, also known as Tjhin Thian Po, is Singapore's first such proceeding under its extradition treaty with Indonesia. Tannos has been implicated in a major graft scandal involving the Indonesian government's issuing of electronic ID card – known as e-KTP – allegedly causing state losses of about 2.3 trillion rupiah (S$187 million). The Indonesian fugitive, who is believed to have been living in Singapore since 2017, faces one charge of corruption under Indonesia law which is punishable with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The crux of the hearing is to determine whether there is enough evidence to support the corruption charge Tannos is facing, so he can be sent back to Indonesia. In extradition hearings, the State does not have to prove the fugitive's guilt or secure a conviction. It only has to show that there is enough evidence for the fugitive to face trial if his acts had taken place in Singapore. Delivering the State's opening statement, Deputy Solicitor-General Vincent Leow said the State would rely on evidence submitted by Indonesian authorities. Tannos was the president and director of technology company PT Sandipala Arthaputra, which was a member of the PNRI Consortium – a grouping of companies that won the e-KTP tender in 2011. DSG Leow said under the alleged corruption scheme, the consortium paid 'commitment fees' to officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs of Indonesia (MOHA), which was responsible for the e-KTP tender. Bribes were also allegedly given to members of the House of Representatives of Indonesia, otherwise known as DPR-RI, who appropriated and allocated the government's budget for the project. The gratification amounted to 10 per cent of the total project value, split equally amongst MOHA officials and DPR-RI. According to Indonesian authorities, Tannos eventually paid US$530,000 to a MOHA officer and approximately US$3,799,842 to former Indonesian politician Setya Novanto through the latter's associate. 'The Indonesian authorities' position is that the payment of these 'commitment fees' resulted in the manipulation of the decision-making process regarding the e-KTP project and tender, and that the PNRI Consortium won the tender through unlawful methods,' said DSG Leow. Chief Special Investigator Alvin Tang of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) – the State's only witness – took the stand to give evidence on how he arrested Tannos and brought him to the State Courts. Meanwhile, Tannos' defence lawyer Bachoo Mohan Singh argued that there were about 100 pages in the formal extradition request that were added after the stipulated deadline, and should hence be thrown out. Tannos' other defence lawyer, Suang Wijaya, also objected to the admission of documents prepared by Indonesian authorities as he said they were not 'duly authenticated'. For example, an English document said to be the translation of Tannos' arrest warrant did not have a stamp with official authorisation, said Mr Wijaya. The hearing continues till June 25. Tannos has reportedly been on Indonesia's fugitive list since Oct 19, 2021. He was arrested on Jan 17 by CPIB, and Indonesia put in a formal extradition request on Feb 24. The extradition treaty between Singapore and Indonesia took effect on March 21, 2024. It grants extradition for a list of offences, including corruption, money laundering and bribery, and can be retrospectively applied to crimes committed up to 18 years ago. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
23-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Extradition hearing starts for Indonesian businessman said to have bribed officials
Indonesian Paulus Tannos, also known as Tjhin Thian Po, was arrested in Singapore on Jan 17. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM Extradition hearing starts for Indonesian businessman said to have bribed officials SINGAPORE – A court hearing is taking place here that will determine whether an Indonesian businessman in a high-profile corruption case will be extradited to his home country. The hearing on June 23 regarding Paulus Tannos, also known as Tjhin Thian Po, is Singapore's first such proceeding under its extradition treaty with Indonesia. Tannos has been implicated in a major graft scandal involving the Indonesian government's issuing of electronic ID card – known as e-KTP – allegedly causing state losses of about 2.3 trillion rupiah (S$187 million). The Indonesian fugitive, who is believed to have been living in Singapore since 2017, faces one charge of corruption under Indonesia law which is punishable with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The crux of the hearing is to determine whethe r there is enough evidence to support the corruption charge Tannos is facing, so he can be sent back to Indonesia. In extradition hearings, the State does not have to prove the fugitive's guilt or secure a conviction. It only has to show that there is enough evidence for the fugitive to face trial if his acts had taken place in Singapore. Delivering the State's opening statement, Deputy Solicitor-General Vincent Leow said the State would rely on evidence submitted by Indonesian authorities. Tannos was the president and director of technology company PT Sandipala Arthaputra, which was a member of the PNRI Consortium – a grouping of companies that won the e-KTP tender in 2011. DSG Leow said under the alleged corruption scheme, the consortium paid 'commitment fees' to officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs of Indonesia (MOHA), which was responsible for the e-KTP tender. Bribes were also allegedly given to members of the House of Representatives of Indonesia, otherwise known as DPR-RI, who appropriated and allocated the government's budget for the project. The gratification amounted to 10 per cent of the total project value, split equally amongst MOHA officials and DPR-RI. According to Indonesian authorities, Tannos eventually paid US$530,000 to a MOHA officer and approximately US$3,799,842 to former Indonesian politician Setya Novanto through the latter's associate. 'The Indonesian authorities' position is that the payment of these 'commitment fees' resulted in the manipulation of the decision-making process regarding the e-KTP project and tender, and that the PNRI Consortium won the tender through unlawful methods,' said DSG Leow. Chief Special Investigator Alvin Tang of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) – the State's only witness – took the stand to give evidence on how he arrested Tannos and brought him to the State Courts. Meanwhile, Tannos' defence lawyer Bachoo Mohan Singh argued that there were about 100 pages in the formal extradition request that were added after the stipulated deadline, and should hence be thrown out. Tannos' other defence lawyer, Mr Suang Wijaya, also objected to the admission of documents prepared by Indonesian authorities as he said they were not 'duly authenticated'. For example, an English document said to be the translation of Tannos' arrest warrant did not have a stamp with official authorisation, said Mr Wijaya. The hearing continues till June 25. Tannos has reportedly been on Indonesia's fugitive list since Oct 19, 2021. He was arrested on Jan 17 by CPIB, and Indonesia put in a formal extradition request on Feb 24. The extradition treaty between Singapore and Indonesia took effect on March 21, 2024. It grants extradition for a list of offences, including corruption, money laundering and bribery, and can be retrospectively applied to crimes committed up to 18 years ago. Christine Tan is a journalist at The Straits Times reporting on crime, justice and social issues in Singapore. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mothers of Held Angels, founded in Houston, supports moms experiencing loss
The Brief Mothers of Held Angels (MOHA) is a non-profit organization that lends love and support to grieving mothers who lost their baby while pregnant. MOHA was founded by three women in Houston who experienced the tremendous loss of their babies, which made them realize the need to help moms immediately in the hospital. MOHA offers comprehensive bereavement care in hospitals to help families create lasting memories with their deceased child. Ongoing resources are available through initiatives like the support group "Coffee and Conversations" and a podcast of that same name. Three loving mothers created Mothers of Held Angels, known as MOHA. They're a lifeline, uniting with other moms after the loss of their beloved babies. They each suffered their own loss and came together to make sure others aren't alone, not only in the hospital, but for months and years to come, as they work through their grief. What they're saying "We grew very organically. We would talk about things and put them into play, and God just kind of gave us this beautiful direction to move forward, because all the ideas that came together have just come together very naturally," explains one of the Co-Founders, Brittany Kemp. Local perspective The organization has been training other mothers who've lost their babies to sit with families in their hospital rooms and walk them through the process. They've been teaming up with hospitals in Houston to do this and have helped countless families work through their pain. "We developed what we call the MOHA angel experience. We believe that there needs to be a standard of care within the hospital system, any hospital where a woman is going to deliver a child at a deceased child. She deserves our angel experience! We believe that we are going to give the bereaved family the gift of time via a device called the CuddleCot. It's a device that the baby is going to sit on to cool the baby down, and that allows families the gift of time to spend with them. Within that time, we believe that they need to create healthy memories with their child while they're in the hospital. Most people don't realize that the only time we're going to get with our deceased child is the day or two that we're going to spend with them while we're physically with them. We're going to go home, unfortunately, with paperwork and not a child, and they're going to go to the funeral home. So, we want to create those memories with that child," explains Brittany. Big picture view These women want to help grieving moms normalize their experience. MOHA envisions a world where grieving mothers receive immediate and compassionate support, with hospitals equipped to provide necessary resources and care. They're trying to add their services to even more hospitals. Here's an idea of advice they share with mourning mothers. "Do not be afraid to talk about your baby, use your baby's name. I always say Lillian's name, from the moment I got home from the hospital. If you didn't have the support while you were in the hospital, and you walked away empty, you start building those memories the moment you get home. So, whether that's setting up traditions on how you remember them during Christmas, Halloween, or Easter. How do you want to go visit your baby at the cemetery, if you chose to bury them in a cemetery? All of those steps can build healthy memories if you didn't get to make them in the hospital," states Anna Noto. Brittany Kemp has two sons and an angel daughter, Eden. Hollyn Keith has two children and angel son, Carter. Anna Noto has four children and angel daughter, Lillian. Timeline In the summer of 2021, the founders met and shared their stories, realizing the need for a support system. In October of that year, MOHA officially became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Why you should care MOHA provides essential emotional support and resources to families experiencing the loss of a child, helping them create positive memories during a traumatic time. The organization requires a lot of supplies to give families, so they rely on community support to continue their mission. "When we formed our mission, we knew we were going to need funds, and our very first fundraiser, we saw that International Bereaved Mother's Day was coming up, and we thought there's no better time than to honor our moms of loss and those who are raising money, than by holding it on such a significant weekend. So, International Bereaved Mother's Day is recognized around the world, and it is the Sunday before actual Mother's Day. It's an opportunity to shed light on devastation and of losing your baby and then honoring those moms, because they're moms too! They might not have a baby in their arms to show for it, but they are moms, and so we hold our annual biggest fundraiser now every year on the weekend or week before International Bereaved Mother's Day," says Hollyn. What you can do If you would like to support their cause, you can participate in their upcoming fundraiser or donate. Their annual gala will be Friday, May 2 at the Westin Memorial City Hotel. "Yes, we have such a wonderful outpouring of love and support from our community. That is one thing that we all agree that if we ask for help, they come running. Which is such a beautiful testament to the people who are involved in our organization. We always need help delivering our angel boxes to our partner campuses, and we also need help putting those boxes together that each family that has experienced a loss will receive," says Brittany. Grieving mothers can attend their monthly support group, "Coffee and Conversations". "We meet the third Thursday of every month at a local coffee shop that is actually closed to the public at the time. It's only open to us, and we go around the room, share our highs and lows and the things that we are facing as moms of loss. I tell the women every month that I live for that night, it's kind of like a lost mom's night out, if you will. We cry. We laugh. Sometimes, we have different projects that we work on with our hands," explains Hollyn. They also have a podcast called "Coffee and Conversations". The point is to reach grieving moms everywhere. Their friend, Ashely Monroe hosts it on Spotify. "We wanted to also provide support outside of the Houston area, so we created the podcast. The first season of the podcast is very raw. It is us talking directly to those families who are walking this journey and just now finding out about their loss. We call it our "day of loss resources" so that they can listen to it, and they can hear the things that we did in the hospital with our baby. It's almost a guide map, if you will, of your days in the hospital with your deceased child. Then we share our own stories so that those families can relate to what they're going through and know that they're not alone," says Hollyn. Dig deeper You can find more information at: The Source FOX 26's Medical Reporter and Morning Anchor Melissa Wilson gathered this information by interviewing the three founders of the organization.
