COMMENT The detention and deportation on Feb 16 by the Malaysian authorities of Australian senator Nicholas Xenophon (Independent, South Australia) has, not unexpectedly, been widely commented upon both in Australia and Malaysia.

What has been interesting to read is the range of comments in both countries, whether in agreement or otherwise with the course of action taken by Malaysia.

It must at the outset be clarified that Xenophon has neither been charged nor convicted of any offence under Malaysian law. Any assertion that he was deported because he had broken Malaysian law is unsubstantiated.