PUTRAJAYA: Bangladeshi opposition leader MA Quayum will not be deported yet as he has a pending court case, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic).
The Home Minister said the ministry is giving full cooperation to all parties in relation to the case.
"We are aware that Quanyum was detained early this month by the police and handed over to the Immigration Department as his passport was cancelled.
"For Quayum to be placed at Immigration Depot, there is a process to be followed, including informing him that he will be detained," he said at a press conference at the Home Ministry headquarters on Wednesday (Jan 31).
As per procedure, Saifuddin said Quayum was also told that his Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) status was revoked after his passport was cancelled.
"He was also informed that he would be placed at an Immigration depot for the purpose of deportation.
"However, the Immigration Department's next course of action will depend on the court hearing on April 5.
"I also contacted Quayum's lawyer this morning to inform him that the Immigration Department will adhere to and respect the court process. We will not deport him pending the court's decision," he said.
Certain parties had alleged that the Quayum had been mistreated by the authorities, with some claiming that the Immigration Department had disrespected the courts by detaining him.