Xenophon: Dumbfounded by Malaysian deportation

(ABC Adelaide) – Permanently refused entry to Malaysia on grounds he was a threat to the country’s security, South Australian independent senator Nick Xenophon joined 891 Breakfast to explain his tumultuous weekend.

Rejected entry on the belief that he was challenging the country’s electoral system, Mr Xenophon said it was not his intention to provide support for any party running in the upcoming election, he was simply there to encourage a democratic process.

“We have a situation where they have asked for our help to say ‘we just want clean and fair elections’.”

Mr Xenophon said the deportation came as a shock as he had previously travelled to Malaysia in April and November in 2012 without incident.

He said the plan for the visit was to meet with the Opposition, the Clean Elections Movement and Minister Nazri.

“If we have meetings lined up with a senior minister and a senior government body, you’d think there wouldn’t be a problem for me to come in.

“I was there to facilitate the meetings because I had been there previously,” Mr Xenophon said.

Read more at: http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2013/02/18/3692513.htm