KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 — The federal government will not intervene in the case of the Malaysian convicted of child pornography in the United Kingdom, said Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.

Anifah said that people should not confuse the preservation of basic human rights and consular services with the right to be saved after committing a “serious and inhumane crime” such as that which landed Nur Fitri Azmeer Nordin in a UK prison.

“I wish to state unequivocally that the government of Malaysia views this matter gravely. We do not condone these acts, particularly as they are considered a crime against young children.

“Under no circumstances should our Malaysians abroad imagine that the government of Malaysia would step in to save them if they commit crimes abroad,” he said in a Facebook post today.

On April 30, Nur Fitri was convicted by the Southwark Crown Court in London of possessing thousands of videos and photographs depicting child pornography and sentenced to 18 months’ jail.

On Monday, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said his ministry is considering appealing Nur Fitri’s sentence.

Anifah, in condemning the crime, said that Malaysian students have a duty to focus on their studies and uphold the good name and image of the country.

The minister also added his voice to growing calls for a sex offenders’ list in the country, particularly those involving crimes against children.

“As a committed member of the international community, I think that it is high time that Malaysia consider establishing a register of convicted paedophiles that would be made publicly known so that parents and communities with young children will feel safer,” he said, adding that it will be a strong deterrent against the crime.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said yesterday that Malaysia has a registry for all criminals, but not one specifically for sex offenders.

The shock in Malaysia over Nur Fitri’s conviction has since been surpassed by the anger over MARA’s purported decision to take him back once his sentence is completed.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir were among those who lambasted the “second chance” given to Nur Fitri, while other Malaysians have also taken to starting an online petition to press MARA not to go through with any such offer.