The Star on Oct 27 reported that a Burmese, Abdul Shukor Abul Kasim, who claimed to be a revolutionary, begged the court not to deport him back as he feared he would be killed by the military. But magistrate Tengku Amir Zaki Tengku Abdul Rahman fined Abdul Shukor RM8,000 in default three months' jail and ordered that he be sent back to his country.

I am saddened by the report, especially bearing in mind Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's claim that Malaysia is already an Islamic state. If that were so, then there is something very wrong with the Malaysian authorities and the judicial system.

Yes, those entering Malaysia illegally must be arrested, tried in the court and sent to jail.

But if there is any danger facing Burmese who are deported back, they should be referred to the UNHCR, or deported to a third country.

A few years ago, one UNHCR officer accused Malaysia of practising double standards even when dealing with Muslim refugees, especially Rohingyas.

I still have the newspaper cuttings of the then deputy home minister Megat Junid Megat Ayob. He stated that he did not accept that Rohingyas were real refugees, and that they would be arrested, put in the camps or jailed and deported.

Not only the Rohingyas but all the Muslims in Burma are discriminated, some tortured, some raped, some mosques destroyed, Qurans burnt, their citizenship revoked, travel restricted, properties looted, etc. Anti-Muslim activities in 1995, May 2001 were not reported fully and prominently here. Recent anti-Muslim activities were never reported here.

Megat Junid was even reported in the same newspaper as saying that those arrested must work in jail and earn their way to be deported. He was not aware that his words were illegal according to international laws, that making prisoners work would be regarded as forced labour and even Malaysia could be blacklisted by ILO and the UN.

It's fine if Malaysia wants to exploit the Myanmar Military Junta and admit them into Asean, but do not cover up the ethnic cleansing they are committing on Muslims and Christians. It's fine if you do not want to help the oppressed people of Burma but if you claim to be a Muslim nation, please review your policies regarding Muslim Burmese.