Law firm: Consent ruling in Bangladeshi politician case is good progress

The withdrawal of the deportation order against MA Quayum is a positive development in the Malaysian government’s recognition of asylum seekers’ rights, according to lawyers for the refugee Bangladeshi opposition politician.

In a media statement this afternoon, law firm Amer Bon Advocates lauded the home minister, the ministry’s officers and the government for their understanding and agreement to resolve in a humane manner the matter which involved the alleged political persecution of Quayum (above) by the Bangladeshi government.

“Although our client was in detention for a total number of 28 days, he wishes to move on.

“He views today’s development positively and as a step in the right direction, consistent with the Malaysian government’s continuing state practice and policy of recognising the rights of asylum-seekers and refugees in line with the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees 1951,” the legal firm said.

When reached by Malaysiakini, Quayum’s counsel Edmund Bon said today’s consent ruling before the Kuala Lumpur High Court over the refugee’s habeas corpus application is likely the first time that the Malaysian government recorded a consent order to release a refugee to the United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees (UNHCR).

“We will follow up with UNHCR over ongoing efforts to resettle Quayum in another country,” the lawyer said.

Earlier today, immigration authorities withdrew the deportation order against Quayum, who contended his life would be at risk if he was sent home.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court then recorded the consent judgment between Quayum and the home minister, as well as three other respondents, namely the immigration director-general, the inspector-general of police (IGP), and the Malaysian government.

The proceedings before judge K Muniandy were initially set today for Quayum’s habeas corpus application against his alleged unlawful arrest.

Leave country once resettlement complete

According to a copy of the consent judgment, the Malaysian authorities agreed to cancel an order dated Jan 24 for Quayum’s arrest and deportation.

The authorities also agreed to allow the UNHCR cardholder to be assisted by the UN body to be resettled in another country.

The four respondents agreed not to detain or deport Quayum and his family while they await settlement in another country.

It should be noted among the terms of the consent ruling was for the Bangladeshi opposition politician cum refugee and his family to leave Malaysia immediately following successful resettlement in another country.

Another term in the consent ruling was for Quayum to withdraw a related judicial review recently filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

The consent judgment also mentioned that Quayum can make another application for Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) if the Bangladeshi government reinstates the refugee’s passport.

Quayum has been a refugee in Malaysia since 2015 under the MM2H programme.

However, on Jan 12, he was apprehended in a joint operation conducted by the Malaysian police and the National Security Intelligence of Bangladesh at his residence in Ampang.

Human rights organisation Suaram previously alleged that Quayum’s detention request was part of a systematic crackdown by the Bangladeshi government against political opposition.

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