Malaysia And India Sign Treaty On Mutual Assistance In Criminal Matters

PUTRAJAYA, March 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and India signed a treaty on Monday to facilitate a formal bilateral mechanism for the gathering of relevant evidence for the purpose of criminal investigations and proceedings without affecting the existing formal mechanism. The Attorney-General's (AG) Chambers in a statement said the signing ceremony was held at the AG's Chambers where Malaysia was represented by Attorney-General Gani Patail while the Indian government was represented by its Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs Sanjay Singh. Under the treaty, both countries agreed to render to one another the widest measure of mutual assistance in connection with investigations and proceedings pertaining to criminal matters. The treaty also intends to enhance existing mutual assistance in criminal matter mechanisms, both formal and informal, subject to the domestic laws of each country. It also features a broad range of assistance including the taking of evidence through judicial process; the taking of voluntary statements of person; provisions of relevant documents, records and items; and making arrangements for persons to assist in an investigation or appear as a witness. Thus, in addition to the existing agency-to-agency informal cooperation mechanisms, this treaty will facilitate the gathering of evidence and the recovery and repatriation of proceeds of crime where compulsive measures such as court orders are generally required under the laws of the requested state. The signing of the treaty also concludes a negotiation process, which commenced in 2008. It also signifies highest commitment to the prevention and combating of transnational criminal activities through international cooperation between their respective law enforcement authorities. -- BERNAMA