Malaysian engineer freed from Dubai prison
NATIONFriday, 16 Feb 20189:49 AM MYT
by
loshana k shagarPETALING JAYA: Malaysian engineer Richard Lau has been released from a Dubai prison, following intervention by the Government.
According to United Arab Emirates non-profit organisation Detained in Dubai (which represented Lau), Lau was released on Friday (Feb 15) after 10 months’ detention without charge.
“Worldwide press attention and a media campaign led by Detained in Dubai and Richard’s family drew the attention of Wisma Putra to his plight.
“Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman stepped in to help, meeting with Ras Al Khaimah emir Saud Saqr al Qasimi and other officials, and visiting Richard in prison.
“Since learning about the case, Anifah has been communicating closely with the Lau family,” said the statement.
The statement was also posted on Facebook, and was subsequently shared by Lau’s sister, Antonia.
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Richard Lau with Malaysian Consul General Dato' Yubazlan.
Lau's sister Antonia also shared a photograph of her brother with Malaysian consulate general to Dubai, Datuk Yubazlan Yusof. "Praise the Lord! Richard is OUT! With the Consulate General of Dubai Datuk Yubazlan Yusof.
"Thank you for all your efforts Datuk, having spent the whole day at the prison with your team trying so hard to make sure our brother walks out today.
My parents thank you, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are overjoyed beyond words to hear his voice finally from outside of the prison walls.
"Freedom is truly priceless. We have never been so happy. And relieved," she said. Anifah also posted a brief note on Facebook which said "Richard is out. Happy for him and his family."
The timing of Lau's release coincided joyfully with the advent of the Chinese New Year.
Anifah had met earlier with Ras Al Khaimah authorities to appeal for consideration that Lau be released on bail while waiting for his case to be brought up in court.
Richard had been posted to Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the United Arab Emirates, by a Miri-based Malaysian marine transport company as a project coordinator at its subsidiary there five years ago.
He was arrested in April last year following a complaint lodged by an Emirati, a partner of the subsidiary.
Lau was accused of stealing wages and commissions.
The complaint pointed to a large amount of money paid to Lau, which was apparently his salary for carrying out works as instructed by the parent company.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/02/16/malaysian-engineer-freed-from-
Anifah’s meeting with Malaysian detained in Dubai sparks hope for his release
NATION
Friday, 16 Feb 2018
by fatimah zainal
PETALING JAYA: The family of Richard Lau, who has been detained in Dubai for 10 months, burst into tears when they got to see a photo of him for the first time since his arrest.
The picture was taken by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, who visited him in prison on Wednesday.
Richard’s sister Antonia Lau said the family could not hold back their emotions when they saw it.
“It was very good to see his face for the first time in 10 months. Richard has lost a lot of weight.
“When we looked at his picture, we all cried.
image: https://www.thestar.com.my/~/media/online/2018/02/15/19/13/main_ni_1602_p18_nurilyanna_1.ashx?h=534&w=400&la=en
Glimmer of hope: Anifah (right) meeting Lau in Dubai.
“They were tears of joy and relief that finally, someone has reached out to help us solve this matter and get him out on bail,” said Antonia when contacted.
This Chinese New Year will be the family’s first without Richard, 41, the youngest of three siblings.
His empty seat at the reunion dinner table will remind the family that their celebration is incomplete.
“My parents, who live in Kuching, have always celebrated Chinese New Year with Richard.
“This is the first time they are not with him,” Antonia said.
Antonia, her sister Eileen and their parents, who are in their 70s, are hoping that he will be granted bail so that they can video chat with him during the festive period.
“We want to speak to him. It will be a big difference if he is out because then, we can communicate via video,” she added.
The family is currently only allowed a 10-minute phone call with Richard every week.
Antonia, a teacher working in Singapore, said the family hoped all charges against Richard would be cleared and that he would be released soon.
She also said they were grateful that Anifah had kept his word.
“He told us that he would visit Richard and help expedite the case.
“He did all of that, so we are very thankful and relieved that things are moving now,” she said.
Anifah met with Ras Al Khaimah authorities to appeal for consideration that Lau be released on bail while waiting for his case to be brought up in court.
Richard had been posted to Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the United Arab Emirates, by a Miri-based Malaysian marine transport company as a project coordinator at its subsidiary there five years ago.
He was arrested in April last year following a complaint lodged by an Emirati, a partner of the subsidiary.
Lau was accused of stealing wages and commissions.
The complaint pointed to a large amount of money paid to Lau, which was apparently his salary for carrying out works as instructed by the parent company.
Antonia said the family had no plans to travel to the UAE for now.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2018/02/16/photo-brings-tears-of-joy-to-family-anifahs-meeting-with-malaysian-detained-in-dubai-sparks-hope-for/#YRatMpqWXwDbsBq7.99
