Singaporean Engineer Wins Court Battle Over Illegal Detention in Malaysia
Short story, long drama: One Malaysian High Court has finally put a stop to a government that tried to keep a 65‑year‑old engineer in chains for over a month. Mr. Wong Chun Khuen – a retired engineer who accidentally became a host for six illegal residents – is now headed to a lawsuit for the money he shouldn’t have lost.
How It All Began
- Feb 28, 2018 – Immigration officers swoop into Mr. Wong’s Johor Bahru home, suspecting him of harbouring six undocumented immigrants.
- He’s hauled off to court on March 26, long after the Constitution demands a magistrate summons by March 12.
- Wong pleads guilty, pays a RM 30,000 fine (approx. S$9,300), and sets out for a six‑month sentence. A twist: he is held another eight days—an extra detainment he wasn’t legally entitled to.
- Apr 4 – Corked off to Singapore.
The Battle in the Courts
Fast‑forward to last year: Wong clocks an 13‑day illegal detention (March 14–26) that the High Court tweeted back at the authorities: “No magistrate, no law.”
In June, the Attorney‑General’s Chambers tried to knock out Wong’s complaint about those extra eight days. The court said, “No, you’re still allowed to sue.” Time‑ironies aside, the judge upheld that the detention didn’t meet legal safeguards.
Enter Lawyer Arun Kasi
- Arun argues the Immigration Department’s orders to “detain” and “remove” Mr. Wong were void and beyond the law.
- He tells the court: “These orders have zero legal effect because they were made outside any lawful framework.”
- That got a Yes‑Yes from the High Court, scheduling a damages assessment on Nov 16.
Time Limit Drama
Arun’s biggest opponent: the 3‑year time‑barred rule. Chiefs tried to say, “You’re too late.” The court said, “Hold on! Illegal detention doesn’t fall under that rule. Your justice isn’t delayed.”
What Comes Next?
Wong will now talk money with his lawyer. The government will have to foot the bill for illegally holding him. No more holding pens—just a legal check.
Bottom line: A whistle‑blower, a busted law, and a High Court that finally said, “Stop the wrong‑do.” Good news for justice, and a cautionary tale for any person who ends up as an inadvertent host for undocumented folks.
—Original reporting by The Straits Times (do not reproduce without permission).
