KUCHING: Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing was detained by Immigration officers when he landed at the Kota Kinabalu International airport at 6pm yesterday.
The officers mistook him for an imposter when he produced his Penganalan Ist imewa (special pass) used by political representatives and ministers at the immigration counter as they believed he was using a fake pass.
Apparently the cause of the misunderstanding was Masing’s attire as he was in jeans and tee-shirt and he had a hard time convincing the officers that he was a real minister despite his clothing.
A bemused Masing texted The Borneo Post about his experience saying, “I was detained probably because I was wearing jeans, I did not realise that YBs and ministers must use smart attire in Sabah.
“It was embarrassing. I have to prove that I am James Masing as shown in the identity card.”
The minister added that his experience was a reminder for other ministers and elected representatives on the proper attire to wear when using that special pass.