PUTRAJAYA – Malaysia will abide by court orders against deporting Bangladeshi opposition politician M.A. Quayum, assured Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Saifuddin said he has been in touch with Quayum’s lawyer to convey the Immigration Department’s commitment to adhering to the court’s directives, pending a decision in Quayum’s habeas corpus application to be released from alleged unlawful detention.
“I have contacted his (Quayum’s) lawyer (to inform that) the Immigration Department will abide by the court’s order and not deport him until a legal verdict is determined.
“Some media have been saying that the department is in contempt of court or (calling me a) useless minister, but you have to be fair to us. There is a process (for detainment by immigration officers).”
The minister also said when Quayum was first held by immigration authorities earlier this month, he had instructed the department’s chief to move Quayum to a more “conducive” holding space as the supposed refugee was unwell.
“His (Quayum’s) wife is also allowed to visit him, so there’s no truth to allegations that no one knows where he is.
“I don’t want to comment much on the criticism (against Quayum’s detainment and possible deportation) including those voiced by Suaram (non-governmental organisation Suara Rakyat Malaysia). They’re doing their job, I’ll do mine.”
Earlier today, it was reported that Quayum’s lawyer, Edmund Bon, had told the Kuala Lumpur High Court that the politician’s family had last night received a letter from the Immigration Department on its January 24 order to deport him.
This, however, contravenes a January 18 ruling by the high court to stay the Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader’s deportation until the conclusion of legal proceedings.
The Immigration Department’s legal representative, deputy public prosecutor Nor’ Amalina Ismail, then told the judge she had instructions that immigration authorities will respect the January 18 court order, allowing Quayum to remain in Semenyih.
On January 12, Quayum was apprehended at his home in Ampang during a joint operation by the Royal Malaysian Police and Bangladesh’s National Security Intelligence.
Suaram previously claimed that Quayum’s detention request was part of a systemic crackdown initiated by the Bangladeshi government against opposition figures. – January 31, 2024