THREE Cambodian opposition politicians have been freed from their detention centre in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), said Malaysian Human Rights Commissioner Jerald Joseph.

He said they will remain in the country for a few days.

The three are Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) vice-president Mu Sochua, and party members Keatha Ngoeum and Heang Leang Seng.

“I can confirm all three are released. They are going to be in the country for a few days,” Jerald told The Malaysian Insight today.

“Papers are being processed. Mu Sochuan told me she is in good health,” Jerald said.

CNRP has been outlawed by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

A source told The Malaysian Insight, the three opposition members were in Malaysia to meet other leaders from CNRP and they underwent a training programme.

“They were arrested as they were about to travel to Thailand after meeting other leaders here,” the source said.

Suhakam previously stated the trio will not be deported back to Phnom Penh and will be sent to a third country.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad also confirmed the three will not be deported to Cambodia where they face possible punishment.

Dr Mahathir said Putrajaya did not want to get involved in the internal affairs of Cambodia.

“We want to send them back but there are some who want them here… we are looking for a third country to accept them.

“We don’t want to have any conflicts with other nations. That is their internal issue. Our principle is not to interfere in their matters,” Dr Mahathir said.

The Cambodians were arrested on Monday night and were due to be sent home the next day.

The deportation order has since been withdrawn following an appeal from Suhakam.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah said Malaysia had received a request from Cambodia to deport the politicians. – November 7, 2019.