Ismail Sabri (centre) and Uggah (left) having a group discussion with others. — Bernama photo
BETONG: All parties must respect the Sarawak government’s entry ban on certain individuals as they may threaten peace and harmony in the state, said Rural and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said the state had the right to impose the entry ban as it was in the interest of the state, to safeguard and protect the state from negative elements who may threaten security and prosperity.
“I hope everyone will respect the decision made by the state government. Do not question the ban as there is no issue
here,” he told reporters after checking on the Jalan Linsum/Jelang/Luing/Kerapa construction project here, yesterday.
Also present were Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas who will contesting the Bukit Saban seat in the Sarawak state election and the Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the Layar seat, Gerald Rentap Jabu.
Recently some DAP leaders were denied entry into Sarawak including its organising secretary Anthony Loke, national assistant publicity secretary, Teo Nie Ching, and party member and the ‘Ubah’ mascot creator, Ooi Leng Hang.
In addition, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) president Mohamad Sabu, Penang state executive councilor Abdul Malik Abul Kassim, PKR Youth deputy chief, Dr Afif Bahardin, and Sungai Besar Umno chief, Datuk Jamal Md Yunus, who is also Coalition of Malay NGOs chairman, were also barred.
On Saturday, State Tourism and Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Abang Tun Openg said the state’s Immigration Department had the authority to impose the ban as provided in the 1963 Malaysia Agreement.
He reportedly said the Sarawak government’s decision could not be challenged at all. — Bernama