Human Rights Watch’s Asia division deputy director Philip Robertson said the inclusion of smuggling of people would likely result in confusion and chaos among frontliners, especially enforcement, resulting in trafficking victims being detained as illegal immigrants.

Speaking at the session “Investigations: What are the Key Elements in a Trafficking-In Persons Case?” at the 15th Malaysian Law Conference yesterday, he said trafficking of people was a human rights abuse, whereas smuggling was a violation of immigration laws.

Susan French, a trial attorney with the United States’ Department of Justice’s human trafficking prosecution unit, emphasised that victims and their welfare should be of utmost priority.

Nazir speaking on ‘Growing Beyond Borders’ on the

second day of the 15th Malaysian Law Conference at

the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Friday

Sound advice: Nazir speaking on ‘Growing Beyond Borders’ on the second day of the 15th Malaysian Law Conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Friday.

“Victims should not be treated as criminals or detained. We want to get them out of the shadow and not fear immigration officials,” she said.

Earlier at the session “Growing Beyond Borders”, CIMB Group chief executive officer Datuk Seri Nazir Razak said one must choose a market carefully, integrate and adapt well, explore the timing and risk period; uphold integrity and be wary of corruption; and focus on value creation for clients/customers.

He said Malaysia’s challenge to improving the economy was in ensuring transformation programmes were executed quickly or investors would shy away.

Speaking at a “Freedom of Information and Investment” session, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said its Freedom of Information Bill which had been tabled for second reading, would make leaders accountable and enable the public to know their rights.

Read more at: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/7/31/nation/6772896&sec=nation