Government urged to send rep to Sweden

Wanita UMNO on Tuesday called for the Malaysian government to send an official representative to Sweden to be part of a watching brief in the case of the Malaysian couple detained for allegedly punishing their son for not performing his prayers.

Its chief, Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil also called for the establishment of an action committee, chaired by Wisma Putra, to facilitate and streamline efforts in assisting the family.

“Non-government organisations and individuals will find it difficult to assist. However, if the government – Wisma Putra, the Attorney General Chambers and the Tourism Ministry – can work together seriously, the matter can be resolved in accordance with the law,” she said.

Since the couple’s arrest, their four children have have been placed with a non-Muslim foster family appointed by the Swedish authorities.

“If the Swedish law really looks into the best interest of the child, then the couple’s four children should not be placed in a foster family of a different religion and culture. We read that the children are experiencing trauma and this might cause long term emotional effects.”

“The couple and their children are Malaysians. Azizul and his wife are not stateless and their four children are not orphans. They have family members in Malaysia. We urge the Swedish Ambassador to assist in sending the four children home immediately and quickly resolve the investigation,” said Shahrizat.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, when contacted by Astro AWANI, said the Attorney General’s Chambers is ready to offer legal assistance if required.

However, he views the case a private matter.

“It is a private matter and has nothing to do with the government of Malaysia but we will assist in whatever way possible. We will wait for Wisma (Putra) to see if any assistance is required and we will render assistance,” he said.