Logging boss deported over visa

National

Chief migration officer Solomon Kantha says there is no need to investigate police officers regarding the deportation of Malaysian logging company executive Peter Ling.
Kantha said Ling, who was a logging company executive, was deported in June last year because he breached the Migration Act.
“His deportation was signed by then Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Rimbink Pato,” he said.
“Police officers involved in his deportation were only assisting my officers to deport him after finding out that he had breached the Migration Act.”
Assistant police commissioner Victor Isouve said that he was suspended for investigating several police officers for Ling’s deportation.
“Ling was deported on the basis that he had fraudulently applied for a new visa under a new company he established while still being effectively employed by his former employer,” Kantha said.
Immigration investigated and found Ling had provided false and misleading information to obtain an entry permit or visa while still being employed.
“This is a serious offence under the Migration Act. Following the outcome of the investigation, the then-Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration signed legal instruments for the cancellation of Ling’s entry permit, directing for him to be placed under custody and his removal,” Kantha said.
“All these legal and due processes were followed and Ling was served these documents in front of his lawyer before he was detained and deported.”
Kantha said Immigration had always sought the assistance of police in deportation matters.
“And police when assisted, acted within the confines of the law as State agencies acting in the interest of the State in supporting other State agency to deport an unlawful foreigner. The police always provide support to Immigration in many deportation cases and as State agencies we work together to serve the interest of the State. I find it difficult to understand why there is infighting within police for a normal immigration process,” he said.
Kantha said any investigation contrary to the interest of the State would still not bring Ling back.
“He will not enter this country and only Immigration can make a decision on the entry of any non-citizen. It is therefore important that officers of the State must serve the interest of the State and work together to serve the interest of the country and not unlawful foreigners.”