M'SIAN GOVT HAS APPROVED PRISONERS TRANSFER PROGRAMME

LANGKAWI (Malaysia), Nov 25 (Bernama) -- The goverment has approved
the 'Transfer of Prisoners Programme' which allows the prisoner to undergo the
final year of his sentence in his own country under the parole system.

Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said the goverment will discuss the matter
further with countries interested to participate in the programme.

"The programme, which was approved by the Malaysian cabinet lately, is
important as a support towards the prisoner's rehabilitation process," he said
when officiating the opening of the Asian and Pacific Conference of Correctional
Administrators (APCCA), in this northern island resort Monday.

More than 200 participants from 25 countries attended the annual conference
held at Pelangi Beach Resort for five days beginning Sunday.

Syed Hamid said the goverment is aware of the need to have a standard
practice on the detention and rehabilitation of offenders even though it is
challenging with regard to the different provisions of law between
countries.

"This issue, coupled with the exploitation of human rights, is now
prevalent among certain quaters and could jeopardise diplomatic relations
between countries," he added.

He said in a world without borders, the rapid expansion and easy
mobilisation of people, offenders are not restricted to the locals only but
include foreigners from different countries.

In the case of Malaysia, Syed Hamid said the culture, experience and
beliefs of the diverse background makes the treatment and rehabilitation of
criminal onffenders a challenging task for the present system.

He suggested that the spirit of cooperation be developed by having a 'Asia
Pacific Prisons Day' to establish commitment towards the rehabilitation aspects
including exchanging prisoners.
-- BERNAMA