KOTA KINABALU: Api Api assemblywoman Christina Liew has called for the publication of the name list of opposition leaders not allowed entry into Sabah.
Liew, who told reporters this during her Chinese New Year walkabout at the Sunday Gaya Street Market here yesterday, stressed the issue in view of the government’s recent decision to bar Seputeh member of parliament Teresa Kok from entering Sabah on February 4.
“Pakatan Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) MPs such as Nurul Izzah and Tian Chua were barred last year from entering Sabah too. Till today we do not know whether or not their ‘bar’ has been lifted. These national elected leaders need to know in advance and PKR needs this information because we are inviting them to attend functions here.
“Don’t wait till they have arrived in Sabah to send them away without any reasons given. We ask the government to publish the list along with the reason, status and duration of their ‘bar’,” said Liew.
She stressed that the government’s focus in exercising their discretion is misplaced and barring Kok from entering Sabah showed the government misuse of power.
“They should be focusing on barring the illegal immigrants coming through the back door and not barring elected representatives and MPs who are entering the state through proper channels.
“That should be the focus of the government, not the other way around. People who are here as the result of entering the state through the back door are not doing us any good,” she said.
According to Liew, the relationship between opposition and ruling leaders is also exemplary to the people of the country.
“Let’s start from the leadership first. We said we want to promote unity between West and East Malaysia. We want to promote fairness and justice.
“Let’s practise it. Don’t misuse your power or exercise your discretion indiscriminately,” said Liew.