PRESS STATEMENT BY YB MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON THE MALAYSIAN STUDENT FOUND GUILTY ON POSSESSION OF INDECENT IMAGES AND VIDEOS OF CHILDREN

PRESS STATEMENT BY YB MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON THE MALAYSIAN STUDENT FOUND GUILTY ON POSSESSION OF INDECENT IMAGES AND VIDEOS OF CHILDREN

I refer to the recent reports about the case of Nur Fitri Azmeer Nordin, a Malaysia student who was found guilty of possession of paedophile materials in the UK and was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment.

I wish to state unequivocally that the Government of Malaysia views this matter gravely. We do not condone these acts particularly as they are considered as crime against young children.

I also wish to stress that Malaysian students have a duty to focus on their studies and to uphold the good name and image of the country. Malaysian students as well as citizens are expected to abide by the laws of the countries in which they are domiciled.

Under no circumstances should our Malaysians abroad imagine that the Government of Malaysia would step in to save them if they commit crimes abroad.

Do not confuse consular services and the preservation of basic human rights with a right to be saved when committing an act deemed as a very serious and inhumane crime, especially one related to children.

As a committed member of the international community, I think that it is high time for the Government of Malaysia to consider establishing a register of convicted paedophiles that would be made publicly known so that parents and communities with young children will feel safer. I believe that this will act as a strong deterrent against such crimes.

YB DATO’ SRI ANIFAH HAJI AMAN
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MALAYSIA
PUTRAJAYA

7 May 2015