Mohamad Sabu
SIBU: The barring of Parti Amanah Negara president Mohamad Sabu, popularly known as Mat Sabu, from entering Sarawak was upon the directive of the higher authorities in the state.
State Immigration director Ken Leben when contacted confirmed that Mat Sabu was one of those on the state immigration blacklist.
The Sarawak head of the newly formed opposition party, Fizuan Zaidi, said Mat Sabu arrived here on a MAS flight from Kuala Lumpur and was ordered to return to Kuala Lumpur on the next available flight.
“Mat Sabu had planned to stay in Sarawak until Thursday. He was supposed to be here to help party members gear up for the state election.”
On a related matter, Fizuan said Parti Amanah Negara would contest in at least seven to eight seats in the coming election.
Hoping that they could contest in more than 10 seats, he however said seat negotiation was still ongoing with other members of Pakatan Harapan – PKR and DAP.
“We shall deny BN Sarawak winning the seats uncontested.”
Parti Amanah Negara was launched on July 13, last year.
Meanwhile, Sarawak DAP vice chairman David Wong said he was saddened that the president of Parti Amanah was barred from entering Sarawak.
He also said they had heard that dozens of opposition MPs would be put on the blacklist.
“We have not confirmed this information, but the barring of Mat Sabu indicates there could be such a possibility.
“These MPs are respected leaders. Why bar them?” he asked.
He added these leaders from Peninsular Malaysia were volunteers, not paid workers.
“Why has there been a suggestion to require them to apply for work permit in the election?”
Wong said if their leaders were barred from entering Sarawak, it would paint a bad picture for Sarawak BN.
“This has never been done before. We want a fair and just election.”