Allegations that Malaysia is a transit point for asylum seekers trying to get into Australia must be substantiated, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
“We cannot take these allegations lightly as the country’s name and image is at stake,” the home minister said.
“Without evidence, such allegations would only damage ties between both countries.”
Hishammuddin was commenting on newspaper reports that Pakistanis, Afghans and Iraqis were using Malaysia as a transit point to seek asylum in Australia.
“We would work with the Australian government if the allegations are proven,” he said, adding that the Malaysian authorities are in the process of forming a new committee to address the problem.
“If their claims are proven, we will not run away from our responsibilities. We will take effective measures to curb foreigners from using Malaysia as a transit point into Australia,” he said after a visit to the Kajang Prison, here yesterday evening.
Referring to a meeting with some Australian delegates from the country’s national security department last week, Hishammuddin said they assured the Australians that the matter will be taken seriously.
“We have emphasised that we are very concern over the allegation and even have a council in the ministry to study this problem.”
He said this existing council will be fined tuned to deal with such a problem more effectively.
Hishammuddin added that this problem had to be dealt with delicately as it involved bilateral relations with neighbouring countries.
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