Australian senator's detention not political

The detention of Australian Senator Nick Xenophon was not political in nature said Home minister Datuk Seri Hishammudin Hussein

He said instead it is a very normal practice in many countries including Malaysia, to not allow people from entering the country.

“In some countries, they can deport Malaysians without giving any reasons. Malaysians, if they go to Sydney or Melbourne maybe every week they are not allowed into the country.

“Even as a minister, I am not allowed to go into their country, so I have to return to Malaysia. They don’t have to give a reason to send me back. So, what’s so special about him (Xenophon)?,” he asked at a press conference here.

Hishamuddin said the country is constantly in touch with Australia through Wisma Putra and assured any action taken against Xenophon would be under the provisions provided by the law.

“Whatever happens, I hope the immigration department director-general Datuk Alias Ahmad will explain the outcome. I have already spoken to him,” he said adding the detention is merely an immigration matter.

Xenophon, was detained at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) upon his arrival from Melbourne.

Australia's Foreign Minister Bob Carr had said that Australian officials were in touch with Xenophon, as well as Malaysia's foreign and home minister, and were seeking his "swift release" from custody.