British law rules in getting RPK back.

(NST:Friday, 01 January 2010   )   

Efforts to secure the return of fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin from the United Kingdom may not be a straightforward process. 

Malaysian police are studying Britain's extradition process and preparing the documents for the return of Raja Petra, also known as RPK.

Malaysia has no formal or special arrangement with Britain to extradite an individual and this is the first time police will be requesting such an extradition

All extradition requests to Britain come under its Operational Policing Extradition procedures, which are outlined in the country's Extradition Act 2003.

Under the act, Raja Petra may have the right to challenge the request in the country's courts and he is entitled to legal representation.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail said he was aware of the police's extradition request and his department had been notified of the matter.

"We will abide by the country's law processes in the formal submission of the extradition request to its authorities," he told the New Straits Times yesterday.

Singapore and Brunei are the only countries with whom Malaysia has a special arrangement for the extradition of known fugitives and criminals to be charged in a court of law.

Gani said that like all other countries, Malaysia's extradition request to Britain will go through the proper channels and processes subject to that country's laws.

He said proper considerations had to be made before submission as they were governed by a different set of laws.

The police will seek the advice of the Attorney-General's Chambers on the legal aspects, direction and relevant procedures before submitting the extradition request.

It is not known when the police will formally approach the British authorities on the matter.