As some have rightly pointed out, the massive presence of illegal migrant workers from Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand could pose grave threats to Malaysia's national security as they could be exploited as a 'fifth column' in time of deteriorating bilateral relations between Malaysia and its neighbouring countries.

Another aspect of similar nature which has been neglected is the visa-free entry of people from member states of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), particularly Middle-Easterners and North Africans.

To be sure, Malaysia should continue to welcome genuine tourists, tertiary students and businessmen from these countries and regions. We should not be racist or xenophobic.

However, the visa-free entry that is currently allowed for them needs to be reviewed. Re-introduction of the visa requirement for them is necessary also from a national security perspective.

A visa system would ensure that Malaysia's embassies and consular offices in these countries screen the backgrounds of visa applicants to ensure that their backgrounds are free from any links to organisations, ideas and activities that promote religious extremism or fanaticism.

It would also enable Malaysia's domestic authorities to keep track of them as they move around the country.

As we all know, these regions have not seen peace for a long time and there are probably some who would want to make use of friendly Malaysia to propagate their fanatical ideas or to raise funds, organise logistical or communication networks, or to just hide.

If we are not firm and decisive, Malaysia could become a proxy battleground for undesirable elements from the Middle East and North Africa on one hand and their opponents on the other. It would consequently spill over to our neighbours like Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Australia, unnecessarily straining Malaysia's bilateral relations with them.

I hope the government will be firm and decisive enough to re-introduce the visa system for people coming to Malaysia from these regions. For those who are already here, they should be re-registered or face expulsion.