KUCHING, May 3: The “unofficial name list”, including Malaysians, of those banned from entering Sarawak is still active as of today, claimed Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) election director Baharuddin Mokhsen.
Baharuddin said because of this, it is very likely, that Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders including former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad won’t be stepping on Sarawak soil to help campaign in the 14th General Election (GE14).
Baharuddin told DayakDaily over the phone that this so-called unofficial name list has existed since former chief minister Pehin Sri Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud’s era.
“The list remained as it is during the late chief minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, and continue on under the helm of current Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.”
When asked why some PH leaders managed to enter Sarawak despite being in the list of those banned, Bahruddin said it all depends on a case -to-case basis, and for what purposes, and the chief minister can lift a name or two and allow these people to enter.
“According to my reliable sources, the names are still as it is. I was told, (and we all know), with the 14 General Election, our PH leaders from outside Sarawak will have a very slim chance to enter due to political reasons,” Baharuddin said.
He also named others such as caretaker Selangor Chief Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, whose plans are still on with regards to coming to Sarawak.
Calling it an abuse of Sarawak’s immigration autonomy, Baharuddin said the state Barisan Nasional (BN) government has clearly shown its lack of moral values, courage and leadership.
“By doing this, BN is exhibiting its fear of great leaders from PH,” he added.
When asked on why Democratic Action Party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng was allowed to enter Sarawak last week, Baharuddin said BN knows that urban seats are basically a ‘gone case’ for them to win, so allowing a Chinese leader to enter the state makes no difference.
“However, they are in fear of losing the Bumiputera voters. That is why they banned our Malay leaders who are planning to assist Sarawak in campaigning the Malay-majority areas.
“Although Sarawak’s autonomy in immigration should be protected, it should not be abused through such an action,” he said.
Baharuddin added that state PH leaders are still hopeful for a miracle to happen, that Abang Johari will uphold a fair election and the state immigration department will lift the ban as soon as possible. — DayakDaily
