I wish to comment on the report British High Comm disputes deported teen's version of events (March 8). I do not question the right of the UK authorities in deporting whoever they like. That is their prerogative.

What I find repugnant is the vagueness and ambiguity surrounding their decision-making process. I know of an 18-year-old Malay girl who was also deported when she arrived in the UK to spend a holiday with her adopted sister's family.

No reason was given except that the relevant Immigration and Asylum Act gives the immigration officers discretionary powers. They do not even have the courtesy to tell you why you are being treated so.

This is misinformation on the part of the British High Commission in Malaysia. We are given the impression that all that is needed is a return ticket and a passport with a validity of at least six months. Obviously, there is more to it than that.

On top of it all, by making the statement "we are satisfied that the reasons for refusing her application to enter the UK were sound", the spokesperson is being totally unhelpful.

Malaysians have the right to know the criteria for entry. Flight tickets are not cheap. It is a big waste of our hard-earned money by denying us entry only on arrival. The British High Commission should compensate Nur Hashidayatti for her unnecessary ordeal.

To ensure such unpleasant confusions do not arise again, the British High Commission must provide the necessary screening procedures here in Malaysia. If one is to be denied entry, then one should be told while still here and not after one has incurred tremendous costs and arrived in the UK.

The people denied entry are not criminals. They are just badly advised.