The good news comes in the wake of talks between Wisma Putra and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government, Malay Mail Online reported.
“We are so relieved that Richard’s plight is almost over. We express our heartfelt thanks to Detained in Dubai (an international authority on UAE law) who supported him and led the campaign for his release,” Lau’s family said in a statement.
“We are touched that our Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman personally looked into this case and spoke directly with UAE authorities,” the statement said.
Detained in Dubai chief executive Radha Stirling was quoted as saying: “Richard (Lau) has been detained without charge for over 10 months, precisely because there is no evidence to justify his detention. This should be disturbing for anyone considering visiting or investing in Ras Al Khaimah.
It was reported that Lau, 41, was sent to Ras Al Khaimah five years ago by a Miri-based marine transportation company as a project coordinator for its subsidiary based in the emirate.
Reports said Lau was arrested following a complaint lodged by a UAE citizen, who is a partner in a subsidiary company, who claimed that Lau had stolen wages and commissions.
According to Wisma Putra, Anifah had informed Lau about the UAE government’s readiness to consider the bail application and to resolve the case as soon as possible.