PUTRAJAYA: The setting up of the Wang Kelian Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) is in line with the government’s commitment to seek truth in a transparent and independent manner into the discovery of the mass graves in Wang Kelian, Perlis, in 2015, Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday.
He said the commission was formed as many parties were unsatisfied with the investigations that had been carried out.
“This created negative perceptions towards the country..although (the establishment of the RCI) is a little late, but it is still not too late.
“We expect that when it (the investigation) is completed, there will no more issues raised on Malaysia not doing anything about this,” he told reporters after the appointment of members of the RCI here today.
In 2015, the country and the world were shocked over the discovery of mass graves and several transit camps in Wang Kelian, Perlis, linked to human trafficking activities.
A total of 147 graves with 130 human skeletons were found, which later led to the arrest of 44 foreigners.
Legal action was also taken under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, with four foreigners accused and convicted.
The tragedy which involved victims from the ethnic Rohingya community from Myanmar and Bangladesh also attracted the attention of the international community.
Earlier during his speech, Muhyiddin said the incident had affected Malaysia’s image, and as a sovereign and dignified nation, Malaysia viewed it in a serious manner.
“The action taken by Malaysia through the formation of the Royal Commission of Inquiry proves the government’s seriousness in addressing the inhumane acts,” he said.
The seven-member RCI is headed by former chief justice Tun Arifin Zakaria, wth former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Norian Mai as his deputy. — Bernama