FOREIGN Minister Anifah Aman met with Richard Lau, who has been detained in Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since April last year on suspicion of stealing wages.

The meeting took place in conjunction with Anifah’s one-day working visit in the UAE’s northernmost emirate yesterday where he also paid a courtesy call on Ras Al Khaimah’s ruler, Sheikh Saud Saqr Al Qasimi at the Khuzam Palace.

Besides the development of bilateral relations between Malaysia and UAE as well as the issues of mutual interest involving Asia and the world, the issue related to Lau’s arrest were also touched on.

“The foreign minister (Anifah) expresses appreciation of the Malaysian government on the assistance provided by the Emir of the Ras Al Khaimah, as well as the spirit of brotherhood and trust showed by the UAE government in helping to solve the issue on the detention Richard Lau,” it said in a statement today.

Anifah also conveyed regards from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V and Prime Minister Najib Razak during the meeting.

The ministry also said Anifah held a meeting with Ras Al Khaimah authorities and sought consideration for Lau to be released on bail while waiting for the case to be brought up in court.

“The foreign minister (Anifah) has also asked for his (Lau’s) case to be resolved the soonest possible,” it said.

It was reported Lau, 41, a civil engineer, was sent to Ras Al Khaimah five years ago by a Miri-based marine transportation company as a project coordinator for its subsidiary over there.

The report mentioned Lau was arrested following a complaint lodged by an UAE citizen, who is a partner to the subsidiary company, claiming the Malaysian stole money for wages.

Anifah had informed Lau about UAE government’s readiness to consider the bail application and to resolve the case as soon as possible. 

“The foreign minister has also stressed on the need for Lau to adhere to local laws until the case is fully solved,” it said. – Bernama, February 15, 2018.