I am a Sabahan and this is my view of the fiasco in the deportation exercise.

The so-called undocumented Filipinos in Sabah have been guests for over 30 years. They are not the mainstream Filipinos citizens but 'southerners' whom the central government of Philippines have no interest in.

Despite their large numbers here, there is not even an embassy officer in Sabah whom they can go to for help. So, why the outcry from the Philippines now? Ask the deportees. What have the Philippines government done for them all these years? Why do they have to go to Sabah — to be treated badly as it turned out?

A few among the 50,000 deportees have died. This should not have happened and those responsible should be held accountable. The Malaysian government should have made proper and adequate preparations to avoid the tragedy. Maybe it had, but perhaps because of corruption, misuse of funds and incompetent officers, such efforts failed to come through?

It is easy to get at each other's throat. Until the truth about the deaths, mistreatment, etc. is established, and the deportations, or rather repatriations are justified, Malaysian employers will still have to seek ways and means to employ workers who are willing to work.

The Malaysian government will have to reform its policies to solve the illegal workers problem. Clearly, what is being done now is a lose-lose game for all sides.