KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has not received any extradition request from Indonesia for fugitive businessman Mohammad Riza Chalid, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said the National Central Bureau (NCB)/Interpol Kuala Lumpur had on Sept 9 received an official request from NCB Jakarta seeking assistance to trace Riza, who has been linked to a corruption case involving PT Pertamina’s Sub-Holding Company and Cooperation Contract Contractors (KKS).
“Thus far, no extradition application has been submitted by the Indonesian government for Riza Chalid.
“Checks also found that NCB Jakarta is still in the process of applying for an Interpol Red Notice for the subject,” he said in a parliamentary written reply on Wednesday (Nov 26).
Saifuddin stressed that Malaysia remained committed to international law and regional cooperation in combating corruption and cross-border crime.
“The government wishes to emphasise that Malaysia respects the principles of international law and its regional cooperation commitments.
“Therefore, if there is evidence and an official request submitted by the Indonesian government regarding this individual, the Home Ministry, through the relevant enforcement agencies, will provide full cooperation.
“The government will not allow Malaysia to become a safe haven for any individual seeking to evade legal action in their home country,” he said.
Saifuddin was responding to Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (PN-Kota Bharu), who asked about the status of Riza’s whereabouts following reports claiming the Indonesian national fled to Malaysia to avoid prosecution related to crude oil management corruption in Indonesia.
