Malaysia and United States Ink MoU on Transnational Crime

CYBERJAYA (Selangor,Malaysia), July 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and the United States Of America (US) on Tuesday enhanced their security cooperation through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Assistance in the Field of Transnational Crime. Malaysia was represented by Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein while US Attorney General Eric Holder signed on behalf of his country. Hishammuddin said a significant element incorporated in the MoU was corruption, which was included to create awareness among enforcement agencies in both countries. “In addition, both countries would also work closely to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the trade of strategic items,” he told reporters after the signing ceremony here Tuesday. He added that the cooperation was also in line with the United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 pertaining to the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. It is also consistent with Malaysia's domestic legislation under the existing Strategic Trade Act 2010, he said. Hishammuddin said this was the third MoU inked by Malaysia with strategic foreign partners after Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom in 2011. “The areas of cooperation covered by the MoU include terrorism, money laundering and terrorism financing, trafficking in persons, people smuggling and cyber crime,” he said. The MoU would also allow enforcement agencies on both sides to strengthen their cooperation, he added. A Joint Working Committee would be established to monitor the progress and development of collaborations under the MoU, said Hishamuddin. Meanwhile, Holder, who is on a three-day visit to Malaysia starting Tuesday, said the MoU portrayed the strong partnership between the two countries in supporting each other in combating transnational crimes. “The MoU also opens the door to closer cooperation and a new level in sharing the commitment to enhance the relationship on both sides,” he said. Holder is also scheduled to make a courtesy call to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak. -- BERNAMA