Deputy Internal Security Minister Noh Omar's statement that he did not mean what he said (about police ill treatment of foreigners) fills me with rage. Of course I and countless other Malaysians know exactly what he meant.

The meaning of the deputy minister is as clear as daylight - that if foreigners do not like the Malaysian police, they can leave Malaysia. In other words we can cavity search and strip search foreign woman, confiscate their currency notes in contravention of Malaysian law and there is nothing they can do about it but leave the country.

May I remind the honourable deputy minister that his tenure ultimately depends on the voters at his Umno constituency, his wages are paid for by the tax-payer and his job is to maintain law and order.

When he opens his mouth on an issue already receiving world-wide attention, he would do well by not putting his foot in. And if his colleagues in Umno thinks he is an idiot (as reported in the BBC ) his days are numbered.

I, as a Malaysian, say it loud and clear - all foreigners are welcome in this country and if anyone is subject to police abuse, it is a credit to them to stay until the perpetrators are brought to some semblance of justice.

This time it may be some hapless foreigner, the next time it could be us.