think health, not drugs: opening address. 2nd regional consultation on compulsory centres for drug users (CCDUs)

11 October 2012

opening address. 2nd regional consultation on compulsory centres for drug users (CCDUs)

OFFICIAL OPENING ADDRESS BY

THE HONORABLE DATO' LEE CHEE LEONG

DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS MALAYSIA

AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF

2^nd REGIONAL CONSULTATION ON COMPULSORY CENTRES FOR DRUG USERS (CCDUs) IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

01^st OCTOBER 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Mr Gary Lewis, Regional Representative, United Nations Office on Drug & Crime (UNODC) Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific,

Mr. Michael Wilson, Minister Counsellor, The Australian Agency for International Development (AustralianAID),

Hon. Puan Sri Dato’ Zuraidah binti Hj. Mohamed, Director General, National Anti-Drugs Agency of Malaysia

Mr. Gino Vumbaca, Executive Director, Australian National Council on Drugs (A.N.C.D)

Ms. Nanda Krairiksh, Director, Social Development Division, Economic & Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) “Escape”

Mr. Steven Kraus, Director Regional Support Team<Asia and the pacific, Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (U.N- AIDS)

Excellencies, Ladies & Gentlemen,

May God’s blessings of Peace be with you and very good morning to you.

SELAMAT DATANG KE MALAYSIA means welcome to Malaysia.

I am honoured to speak on behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin bin Tun Hussein and to welcome 9 member countries of United Nations at the 2^nd Regional Consultation on Compulsory Centres for Drug Users in the Asia and the Pacific. I understand that this is a unique and historical occasion. Unique in the sense that the consultation is organised by few international entities like the U.N.O.D.C, ESCAP, U.N.-AIDS, with the cooperation and assistance of National Anti-Drugs Agency (NADA), Malaysia and hosted by A.N.C.D. This speaks well of the Comradeship and unity of the region.

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted that The Regional Consultation on C.C.D.Us in December 2010 has noted few recommendations and one of it is to convene a follow-up meeting in Malaysia particularly to observe innovative community-based treatment approaches in Malaysia.

This 2^nd Regional Consultation is being held with the objective to provide a forum for Governments of the Asia-Pacific region to share information and experiences on effective drug dependence treatment approaches that also reduces the risk of HIV transmission in the region. This consultation will also serve to foster regional dialogue on the development and the implementation of evidence informed alternatives to the current compulsory centres, such as the community based drug treatment and HIV services to people who use drugs.

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Government Transformation Program was launched by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Razak to “transform the government and uplift the quality of life” for all Malaysians. It focused on the priorities that matter most to the ’rakyat’ (i.e. People First) and making fundamental changes to deliver big results fast (i.e. Performance Now).

NADA’s Transformation program fulfils the fundamentals of the country’s Transformation Program through its Cure & Care Clinic 1Malaysia model as an alternative to compulsary drug rehabilitation center which involves the process of police arrests and court orders and legal implications.The C&C Clinic is open to all Malaysian. The clinic provides services such as psychosocial approaches in drug treatment, clinical & medical treatment and referrals & advocacy.

The concepts of being non-judgmental or no pre-conditions, no legal implications and supportive of the clients motivation to change are the strengths in developing this model for the needs of the clients. Support from parents and family members are vital in ensuring clients undergo the full course of treatment. Clients are also referred by their employers and significant others.

Malaysia recognises that tide of the battle towards illicit drugs cannot be turned around. Thus, we must take measures to ensure that the treatment to drug related problems is always available and easy to access by all citizens regardless of gender, religion and age. We also must create public awareness that these services are available.

Having said that, NADA’s paradigm shifts by the translation of the GTP that “People First” has led to setting up 9 Cure & Care Clinic 1Malaysia throughout the country and certainly being accepted by the community. We hope that through this consultation, Malaysia will be able to share further on our experience.

I formally Declare Open the 2^nd Regional Consultation on Compulsory Centre for Drug Users in Asia & the Pacific.

With that, I thank you.