Six Burmese refugees were released after being remanded in the Sungai Buloh prison for two years.

Arrested in June 2003 for not possessing valid travel documents, an offence under Section 6 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act 1960, they were released yesterday after representation was made to the Attorney-General's (AG) Chambers.

The six comprise Rohingyas and other Burmese Muslims. While five are registered refugees, one is said to be registered as an asylum-seeker with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Policy decision

Their lawyer Latheefa Koya expressed careful optimism for the fate of countless thousands of other refugees remaining incarcerated in jails throughout the country.

"It was great because they've been released, finally, all six of them," she said when contacted.

"It does show that there is some hope with the government directive. I just hope it's consistent for every other case that falls under this category," she added.

Despite seeing a positive pattern, Latheefa said, "We are still at the mercy and discretion of the AG's rather than as a right that is enshrined anywhere."

At this moment, she added that it's all about a policy decision and there is no clarity over the immigration policy.

Malaysia does not recognise refugees or asylum seekers as it is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Convention on Refugees.