By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 1: Sarawak rights activist Peter John Jaban has called on the State’s immigration authorities to explain the reasons and standard operating procedures behind the denial of entry to Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president Meenakshi Raman, saying the lack of clarity risks damaging Sarawak’s reputation and its commitment to transparency and environmental protection.
Meenakshi was denied entry after arriving at Miri Airport on Sept 29, prompting SAM and environmental groups to seek an explanation from the Sarawak government and immigration authorities.
However, Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala said Sarawak was not required to notify individuals in advance if they were barred from entering the State.
According to a report by a local daily, Gerawat said no such requirement existed under immigration law and that Sarawak had the authority to determine who could enter the State.
Peter John, who is also deputy president of the Global Human Rights Federation (Malaysia), acknowledged Sarawak’s immigration autonomy is one of the most important safeguards under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), but said the power should be exercised responsibly and transparently.
“It should be used in a manner which promotes Sarawak’s aims and objectives. This has been handled very badly. We now look like we have something to hide,” he said in a statement today.
He said the incident was also at odds with Sarawak’s stated commitment to social inclusivity, sustainability and environmental protection under the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“This kind of action, taken with no clear explanation against the head of a recognised NGO working on environmental protections and supporting Indigenous communities and their rights, completely undermines this image,” he said.
Peter John said that while the State had the authority to control entry, any decision to deny entry should have a clear and lawful basis.
According to him, Meenakshi was told only that a report had been lodged against her on May 21, 2025.
“If this report exists, why has it not been progressed in the last year and a half? Anyone can make a report. Unless it has been properly investigated and found to have a basis important enough to exercise this vital protection, then this is a serious failing and a misuse of power,” he said.
He said the public should be given sufficient information about the lawful basis for denying an individual entry, adding that unexplained restrictions could create an unnecessary public relations issue for Sarawak.
Peter John also defended the role of civil society groups, saying activists should not automatically be viewed as threats simply because they criticise decisions or raise concerns involving Indigenous rights, Native Customary Rights (NCR) and environmental protection.
“Activists are not politicians. Their role is to bring attention to issues, amplify the voices of communities and advocate for people’s rights, particularly where communities may have limited access to political or institutional platforms,” he said.
While supporting Sarawak’s authority to prevent individuals who deliberately promote racial or religious hatred, violence, intimidation or serious social disharmony from entering the State, he said the power should not be directed at those engaged in peaceful advocacy.
“It should not be directed at activists, environmentalists, human-rights defenders or Indigenous-rights advocates who peacefully defend the rights, dignity and heritage of Sarawak’s Indigenous Peoples and the environment,” he said.
Peter John said Sarawak’s diversity and social harmony should include protecting space for peaceful advocacy and legitimate civil society activities.
“If we are doing the right thing, then constructive criticism should strengthen our direction, not undermine it.
“Development should never mean silencing those who speak for the people and the land. We should be able to disagree without treating one another as enemies. We can defend Sarawak’s autonomy while respecting the important role of civil society,” he said.
Meanwhile, SAM honorary secretary Mageswari Sangaralingam said Meenakshi arrived in Miri on a flight scheduled for 2.40pm that landed at about 4.50pm before being stopped by immigration officers and refused entry.
She said Meenakshi had received no prior notice, explanation or indication that she was barred from entering Sarawak.
Mageswari described the incident as “an unacceptable and deeply troubling exercise of State power”, noting that Meenakshi had been allowed to enter Sarawak as recently as 2024. — DayakDaily
