After living in exile for nearly a year, 61-year-old businessman Tan Seng Hin returned to his family in Sarawak on New Year's eve without any hindrance from the state's immigration authorities.

Tan told malaysiakini today that he had expected the worst when he landed at the Miri airport but was surprised when he was not barred from entering the state.

Instead, an immigration officer asked him whether he wanted a social or business pass.

The businessman said he requested for a 14-day business pass because he had to attend a meeting at the Miri Hainanese Association of which he was the former secretary.

Tan, who was living in Sarawak for 23 years under a social pass, was deported in January last year after being labeled a security threat. But he claimed he was deported for criticising the state government's decision to change the medium of instruction for two schools in Miri from Mandarin to English.

Tan was barred from re-entering the state until Dec 6. However, last September, he was allowed to return to Sarawak briefly during the state elections.

Legal action

Tan said he would apply for an extension once his pass expires and stressed that if this is turned down, he would not leave the state voluntarily.

"I have the right to remain in Sarawak, the government has no valid reason to deport me again," he said.

Tan also warned that he would take legal action if the state government forces him to leave.

But for now, the father of two said: "I am really happy to be back here again with my family".

Following his deportation, Tan sought the help of opposition parties and non-governmental organisations but failed to get a retraction on his deportation order.

Prior to his return, Tan had sent letters to Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and state immigration officials informing them of his intention to return.