Prime Ministers Anwar Ibrahim and Lawrence Wong commit to deeper cooperation against drug offences, respecting each nation’s judicial processes
SINGAPORE: Malaysia and Singapore have reaffirmed their firm, long-standing stance against drug trafficking and pledged deeper bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that Malaysia respects the judicial independence and due process of other countries when their citizens face legal proceedings abroad.
He clarified that any diplomatic representation made by Malaysia is solely to convey family concerns and should not be seen as tolerance for drug crimes.
“No way should I give any indication that we are tolerating or condoning the drug trade. We also take a very strong stance against it,” Anwar said during a joint press conference with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
The Malaysian leader noted the country maintains a strong anti-drug position despite amending laws related to mandatory death sentences.
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reiterated his nation’s tough approach to drug-related crimes.
He said Singapore’s policy aims to protect families and children from the dangers and social consequences of narcotics.
“We hope all countries understand the rationale for our strong stance and respect the way we conduct our policies on this front,” Wong added.
Both leaders committed to strengthening cooperation under existing frameworks to combat cross-border drug trafficking and criminal networks.
They witnessed the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Their Analogues, and Precursor Chemicals.
The agreement is between Malaysia’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs.
Anwar was in Singapore for the 12th Singapore-Malaysia Annual Leaders’ Retreat. – Bernama
