Sarawakian Richard Lau Yi Lok, 41, had been in jail at Ras al-Khaimah, one of seven emirates that make the UAE, for allegedly stealing wages and commissions from a local company partner he was working with.
In a statement, Anifah said Lau was released on bail at 4.30pm local time yesterday and that he would remain in the UAE pending his trial.
He said Lau’s release was the result of “diplomacy at the highest levels”.
“The Malaysian government appreciates the cooperation extended by the UAE government, the ruler of Ras al-Khaimah, and the UAE Legal Affairs Department.
“The spirit of brotherhood shown by the UAE has resolved an issue involving a Malaysian in the UAE, leading to the freedom of Lau.
“The Malaysian government cares about its citizens who are in peril when they are out of the country, extending them consular services in the spirit of the Vienna Convention and prevailing laws of the country of visit,” Anifah said.
Lau’s sister Antonia took to Facebook in praise of Anifah, saying he was a “man of his word”.
She also thanked the Malaysian consul-general in Dubai, Yubazlan Yusof for his help in securing Richard’s release.
“Thank you Dato’ Yubazlan, having spent the whole day at the prison with your team trying so hard to make sure our brother walks out today.
“My parents thank you, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are overjoyed beyond words to hear his voice finally from outside of the prison walls.
“Freedom is truly priceless. We have never been so happy. And relieved,” Antonia said.
According to a UAE legal support group for foreigners, Detained in Dubai (DID), Richard was among eight others accused of theft and put in prison while waiting for charges to be brought against him.
The seven others were let go, three left the country, leaving Richard “to take the blame”. He has been in jail, without trial, since April 2017.
DID said prosecutors kept extending his detention on grounds of collecting more evidence. The group said despite no evidence against Richard, he was still detained.
“The reality is that Richard was just receiving wages and commissions for his job as project manager at a Malaysian company operating out of Ras al-Khaimah.
“This misunderstanding has led to an anguish-filled detention, which has affected Richard and his family dramatically.
“Holding anyone without charge indefinitely is a gross breach of human rights and the Malaysian government has, quite rightly, stepped in to protect its citizen,” the group said in a statement.
DID chief executive officer Radha Stirling praised Anifah’s effort to free Richard from jail.
“…Richard has suffered a tremendous ordeal, and his release is long overdue. We deeply appreciate the proactive, personal intervention by Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah to resolve this case, as well as the cooperation of the authorities in Ras al- Khaimah.” she said.