No entry for bigots and racists

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Adenan slams door on outsiders who stir up religious, racial tension to preserve state’s communal harmony

KUCHING: Outsiders who are religious bigots, racists and trouble-makers will be barred from Sarawak.

In a statement issued here yesterday, Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem said the government would not hesitate to bar them, while those already here would be deported if they stoke racial or religious tensions.

He stressed that Sarawak is a state where all races had been living in peace and harmony for many years, and as such the state would not tolerate any action that could harm the solidarity of its multi-racial community.

“As a responsible government, we will invoke the immigration power given to us by the Federal Constitution to prevent outsiders who are known to be religious bigots, communal racists and trouble-makers from coming into territory or to deport them if they are already in Sarawak.

“This is to prevent peaceful Sarawakians from being infected by racism and religious bigotry. This is done only in the best interest of the peaceful people of Sarawak, who are known to be hospitable and moderate in their views and actions.”

Apparently, Adenan made this comment in light of the Balingian by-election, which is a straight fight between BN candidate Yussibnosh Balo and Abdul Jalil Bujang of PKR.

It has been anticipated that the top guns of BN and Pakatan Rakyat will converge at Balingian to campaign.

Hence, it was understood that the Immigration Department is keeping a watchful eye out for undesirable characters.

Meanwhile, controversial figure Datuk Ibrahim Ali was said to be spotted in Kuching, with Facebook users posting photographs believed to be him in a hotel in the city.

The purpose of the Perkasa president’s visit here is not immediately known.