I would like respond to the remarks made by the second secretary for political, economic and public diplomacy of the British High Commission, Nicola C Bowling, with regard to the detention and deportation of Nur Hashidayatti Abu Hassan.

Nur Hashidayatti wasnt travelling with a cousin. An Indian Malaysian by the name of Chinon Cecilia (or something like that, Nur Hashidayatti couldnt be sure) who was on the same flight, claimed to be a cousin so that she could help Nur Hashidayatti sort out her immigration problems after she herself was cleared.

This lady had been in England before for six months. Unfortunately she was also deported together with Nur Hashidayatti. Nur Hashidayatti did not really get a chance to know her much. The two were separated and were not allowed to communicate with each other.

Nur Hashidayatti never asked to stay for six months. She told the immigration officer that if two weeks were out of the question, a few days or even a few minutes would do as long as she could speak to her elder sister.

The male friend mentioned by the British High Comm officer was a friend of her elder sister who had come to fetch her from the airport. Immigration officers could not locate her at first as she was moving about in the airport, but eventually met her.

Nur Hashidayatti spent more than 10 hours inside the room where she was held. She distinctly noted that it was not comfortable by any standard and there were no books, newspapers, TV, etc. as mentioned by the official. She also reiterated that no food was given except cold water in a paper cup, and that the officers were very rude.

She also countered that if the walls werent electrified in any way, why then did the officer keep telling her not to touch the wall?

I was the president of Sabah Students Society for UK and Ire based in London in 1980, editor of Malaysia Students Council and member of the Council in 1979, first president of Ex-UK Graduate and Professionals Association in Sabah in 1986.

I had studied in England thrice at three different universities. My daughter is also a UK graduate.

I have been involved for many years in British Council activities in Sabah, giving talks to students going to UK. Therefore, I am quite familiar with the procedures and I know that in normal circumstances such a visit would never pose a problem. That is why I find the incident rather strange.

For one, Nur Hashidayatti had a return ticket in hand, was only planning for a short stay and had someone to see in UK and access to finance.

The excuse of security does not hold water. The girls mother has handed me the notice to detainee from the immigration officer, in which two items were ticked:

  • There is insufficient reliable information
  • You have failed to give satisfactory or reliable answer

    • I do not consider this kind of treatment accorded to Nur Hashidayatti to be a policy of the UK government especially with regard to Malaysian visitors, but this does not mean their immigration can just wash its hands off everything that has happened. That person responsible for the incident should be made answerable for all the anguish and upset caused.