June 25 set to hear objection over Aussie senator’s application to overturn notice

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here has set June 25 to hear the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ (AGC) preliminary objection to Australian Senator Nick Xenophon’s leave application to overturn a notice issued by the immigration directorgeneral, denying him entry into Malaysia, nearly three months ago.

Deputy Registrar Diana Md Razali set the date after meeting Xenophon’s counsel, Ranjit Singh, and senior federal counsel Suzana Atan, who acted on behalf of the respondent (immigration director-general).

Suzana told reporters that the AGC would raise preliminary objection to the application by stating that it was a frivolous application by the plaintiff.

Xenophon filed the application on April 11 and stated that the respondent had failed to take into account, relevant facts for his visit to Malaysia and had arrived at a decision that was substantially unfair and not in accordance with the law.

He claimed that his visit to Malaysia was to engage in non-partisan dialogues and alleged that the respondent acted for political reasons rather than legitimate.

Xenophon contended that the decision of the immigration directorgeneral denying him entry on Feb 16, this year breached the rules of natural justice by failing to provide him with the opportunity to address relevant facts on his visit.

Other than seeking an order to quash the notice of refusal entry dated Feb 16 by the respondent, the Australian is also seeking an order of mandamus to compel the respondent to allow him entry into Malaysia.

He is also seeking damages, costs and other relief deemed fit and proper by the court. — Bernama