Enhancing cooperation in law enforcement and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters are crucial to combat the challenges posed by transnational crimes such as cybercrimes which has persisted and brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Attorney General Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Ahmad bin Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Di-Raja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa.
He said this as the chair of the 1st ASEAN Ministers / Attorneys General Meeting of the Central Authorities on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (AMAG-MLAT) at The Empire Brunei yesterday.
Dato Seri Paduka Haji Ahmad said, “With the plethora of technological advancements available and increased online activity, criminals are not only provided with new opportunities but also the ability to create increasingly novel and sophisticated ways of carrying out tier crimes.
“Today, cybercrime represents an additional frontier requiring law enforcement’s attention and for which represent a challenge in its ability to investigate and respond.”
Recognising the imperative to address evolving challenges, he shared, “Enhancing cooperation in law enforcement and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters are crucial.
This collaboration is not only essential for the benefit of each member state but also the collective strength of ASEAN in combating transnational crimes that transcend national boundaries.”
The meeting organised by the Attorney General’s Chambers of Brunei Darussalam, was attended by representatives from all ASEAN member states, Timor Leste, and the ASEAN Secretariat.
The Attorney General also highlighted the ASEAN leaders’ statement during the recent 42nd and 43rd summit focusing on the need to strengthen cross sectoral and cross pillar cooperation on combating transnational crimes and the leaders expressing concern over the increasing number of transnational crimes cases in the region.
He added, “It is evident that the work we embark upon in this meeting is not only timely but directly aligned with the priorities set by our leaders. The strengthening of our mutual legal assistance framework and collaborative efforts within this platform will significantly contribute to addressing the challenges outlined during the summit. Our collective commitment to enhance cooperation and streamline our processes will serve as a valuable tool to ensure the safety and security of our region.”
In 2019, the AMAG-MLAT was designated as an official ASEAN Sectoral Body under the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) pillar.
The convening of the first AMAG-MLAT marked the first ministerial-level meeting of the Sectoral Body, where participants discussed ways to enhance the implementation of the ASEAN Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (ASEAN MLAT).
The meeting also adopted the reports of the first and second Senior Officials’ Meeting of the Central Authorities on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters (SOM-MLAT).
A joint communique issued at the meeting’s conclusion commended the SOM-MLAT’s progress in supporting and strengthening mutual legal assistance cooperation among ASEAN member states and ensuring the effective implementation of the ASEAN MLAT.
The meeting marked a significant step forward in ASEAN’s journey towards greater regional cooperation in criminal matters, demonstrating the shared commitment of its member states towards creating a safer and more secure ASEAN community. – James Kon
