Thailand has yet to decide on Nur Sajat

BANGKOK: Thailand is considering whether to deport cosmetic entrepreneur Muhammad Sajjad Kamarul Zaman also known as Nur Sajat who escaped to Thailand and charged by Thai authorities over immigration offences.

Deputy Commander and spokesman of the Immigration Bureau Pol Maj Gen Achayon Kraithong said Muhammad Sajjad was detained for illegal entry.

"There are many procedures (to deport Muhammad Sajjad back)... we have to follow the Immigration laws. Whether to send (Muhammad Sajjad) back or not, it needs to be considered," he told Bernama when contacted.

However, Bernama was made to understand that Thai authorities have yet to receive request from their Malaysian counterpart on Muhammad Sajjad.

Muhammad Sajjad was detained by Thai immigration officers on Sept 8 for being in possession of an invalid passport and was released on RM8,343 bail on Sept 10.

On Tuesday, Malaysian Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan said the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is working with the Foreign Ministry and the Attorney-General's Chambers on the process of extraditing Muhammad Sajjad to Malaysia.

Muhammad Sajjad is sought by the authorities in Malaysia after the Shah Alam Syariah High Court issued an arrest warrant on Feb 23 for failing to attend proceedings over a charge of dressing as a woman.

He is also required by the police to attend proceedings at Ampang Jaya Court over a fraud case involving MyKad details.

Media reported that Muhammad Sajjad had applied for refugee status from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and is eyeing to move to Australia.

Meanwhile, Thailand reiterated that the handling of a case Muhammad Sajjad will follow the laws of the country.

Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Tanee Sangrat said "we are dealing with this case based on our laws and humanitarian tradition".

Meanwhile, Thai researcher with Human Rights Watch Sunai Phasuk said Muhammad Sajjad is recognized as a refugee by UNHCR.

He said it is Thailand's international legal obligation and should not put Muhammad Sajjad in harm's way.

"Thailand is legally bound to respect the international principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning anyone to a country where they may face prosecution or serious abuses," he said.

-- BERNAMA