Saturday October 20, 2012

Salleh’s predicament attracts Piasau SUPP chief’s attention

KUCHING: The case of Salleh Rambli, who has been imprisoned in Pontianak, Indonesia, since June 30, has attracted the attention of Piasau SUPP chairman Datuk Sebastian Ting.

“I am concerned about Salleh, who has been held there for close to four months now, and am extending my help to reach out to the respective embassies in Jakarta and Pontianak on his situation,” he told The Star yesterday.

“Unfortunately, there has been no word yet from the consulate. First, we must find out the exact details of his detention before any action can be taken. I understand that his trial is scheduled to take place on Oct 24, so we are hoping to get the full details before then,” he said.

He also cautioned Malaysians venturing into foreign countries to be extra careful and to study and observe the laws to ensure their safety.

Salleh was accused of human trafficking when he visited Pontianak to process the passport of a childminder who had willingly offered her services to his family with the consent of her parents.

What was supposed to be a short trip across the border led to the 44-year-old restaurateur from Sarawak being detained by the Indonesian police and subsequent imprisonment, pending a court hearing.

He never even had the chance to see his youngest child, four-month-old Maisya Dealysha, for whom he had tried to obtain the services of a babysitter.

Despite his ordeal, Salleh managed to find a way to contact the outside world, in which he gave his own account of the situation.

He explained that the middleman he had hired was also caught and jailed.

Salleh’s wife Maesaroh Siti had sought the help of the Malaysian consulate in Pontianak, but to no avail.

Salleh faces a jail term of almost eight years if convicted. Indonesia has a maximum imprisonment term of 15 years for the offence.

News

Saturday October 20, 2012

Salleh’s predicament attracts Piasau SUPP chief’s attention