Government working towards providing immunity for Tourism officers based in Sweden

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin, however, said the government will continue to ensure that measures are in accordance to the national legislation.

"We understand the diplomatic status in each country differs. For example, the case of the Tourism Malaysia officer in Sweden, Azizul Raheem Awaluddin and his wife, Shalwati Nor Shal, they were given diplomatic status in South Korea but the standards are completely different in Sweden.

"It is thus difficult for the government because it involves Swedish legislation. However, we do provide assistance in the legal and advisory services,'' he said.

Hamzah said this in reply to Tan Sri Annuar Musa (BN-Ketereh) at the Dewan Rakyat here.

He added, in the meantime, among the consular assistance provided by the government would be to try and solve every case in the early stages.

"We will meet officials involved to know the status of the case and if the case can be resolved at an early stage, then dealing with the local authorities will be made for the official release of the said officer.

"Consular visit includes supplying the needs of officers and meeting with officials and advocates, that will be made from time to time as to get information and advice on the relevant legislation of the country to ensure the rights of the officer,'' he said.

Azizul and his wife, a teacher on unpaid leave have been detained since December 2013 for allegedly abusing their four children in their home in Spanga, Sweden.

They are both waiting for the verdict to be given by the Solna District Court on March 28.