Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and Singapore today reaffirmed their long-standing and firm stance against drug trafficking, with both countries committing to deeper cooperation in addressing the regional threat posed by narcotics.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is in Singapore for the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Annual Leaders’ Retreat, emphasized that Malaysia respects the due process and judicial independence of other countries when Malaysian citizens face legal proceedings abroad, including in Singapore. He reiterated Malaysia’s firm position against drug offences, even as the country has made amendments to laws concerning mandatory death sentences.
Anwar noted that the drug menace remains a significant issue in Malaysia and highlighted the country’s traditional strong stance, despite recent legal amendments. He clarified that any representation made by Malaysia regarding such cases is solely to convey the concerns of affected families and should not be interpreted as a sign of tolerance for drug offences.
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reiterated Singapore’s tough approach towards drug-related crimes, emphasizing the country’s anti-drug policy aims to ensure a safe environment, protecting families and children from the dangers and social consequences of drugs. He expressed hope that other countries understand and respect Singapore’s strong stance and policy execution.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly under existing frameworks aimed at combating cross-border drug trafficking and related criminal networks. During the retreat, Anwar and Wong witnessed the exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), including one on cooperation in combating illicit drug trafficking between the home ministries of both countries.
Anwar’s one-day working visit included a delegation comprising Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Johor’s Chief Minister Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi were also part of the official delegation.