Chong showing a copy of the letter to the Chief Minister. On his right is his special assistant Abdul Aziz Isa.
KUCHING: Sarawak DAP yesterday urged Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem to lift the entry ban on opposition politicians into the state.
Its chairman, Chong Chieng Jen, argued that the political activities of these opposition leaders were legitimate ones; hence, the ban was unreasonable and unlawful.
He told a press conference he would be sending a letter to Adenan on this matter.
Chong described as “not the slightest convincing” the reasons given to prohibit entry: religious bigotry, extreme racism and disturbing the peace of the state.
“It seems the banning of these opposition leaders from entering Sarawak is purely based on the political interest of the Sarawak BN in view of the coming state election.
“For one, it is expressly provided in Section 66 and 67 of the Immigration Act that there shall not be any restriction of entry of non-Sarawakians into Sarawak for the ‘sole purpose of engaging in legitimate political activity’.
“Unless the view is that preparing for election campaigns is not a legitimate political activity, there is no good reason to ban these opposition leaders.”
Chong added that the banning of opposition leaders from entering the state was not an act of an open and liberal leader.
“Since becoming chief minister, BN leaders have been boasting about your popularity and talking about the swing of urban voters to BN.
“If such were the case, why fear these opposition leaders helping in preparations for the election?”
Chong said the prime minister and his whole cabinet had been coming in and out of Sarawak despite the fact that some of the leaders were racists.
“Why is the state government so fearful of the few opposition leaders coming into Sarawak to speak in political ‘ceramahs’ and dialogues with the people?
“Many Sarawakians and Malaysians used to see hope in your goodself to do the right thing. However, such hope is now shattered with such high-handed manner in the abuse of the immigration power.”
Chong hoped Adenan would not succumb to the temptation of abusing his powers just to secure a big victory for BN.
“You are scarifying the basic principle of justice and fairness for a short-term advantage. As such, I urge that such bans be lifted. Let Sarawak be the example of a fair election.”
Among opposition leaders being banned are Tony Pua, Teresa Kok, Teo Nie Ching, Nurul Izzah Anwar, Tian Chua, Rafizi Ramli and Mohammad Sabu. Other notable personalities also barred were Ambiga Sreenevasan, Clare Rewcastle Brown, Jannie Lasimbang, Maria Chin Abdullah, N Gobala Krishna, Ridhuan Tee, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Sivarasa Rasiah, and Zuraida Kamruddin.