Despite protests, the Sarawak government continues to bar opposition leaders from entry with nomination day for its state polls around the corner.

This morning, Selangor state legislative assembly speaker Hannah Yeoh joined the growing list of opposition leaders and activists banned from entry through Sarawak’s autonomous immigration powers.

“Landed at Sibu airport. Banned from entering Sarawak. I'm here for an event hosted by the church,” tweeted Yeoh this morning.

The DAP Subang Jaya assemblyperson later complained she had to return to Kuala Lumpur with no explanation for the ban.

“Forced to pay RM1,013 to fly back to KLIA. No one here can give me an explanation, they could only say, "I'm sorry puan, kita hanya ikut arahan sahaja ." (Sorry madam, we are simply following orders).

Yeoh is scheduled to hold a press conference on the matter upon her arrival in the capital this afternoon.

Apart from Yeoh, PKR leaders Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin and Machang Bubok state assemblyperson Lee Khai Loon were also barred from entering the state today.

Upon arrival at the Kuching International Airport at 11.30am, they were however told to fly back in the next available flight.

In a Facebook post, Sim said he had told the officer how he has traveled to Sarawak 15 times since 2015.

“Three weeks ago, I was allowed to enter. I did nothing wrong, why ban me today?

“She (the officer) replied with a faint smile; ‘this is the instructions from the state government’.”

S'wak ban 'not legal'

The ban during this election month has affected mostly leaders from PKR and DAP, two major contenders against the ruling BN for the upcoming polls.

Sarawak Chief Minister and BN chief Adenan Satem justified the ban, saying it is to preserve state harmony.

However former Bersih co-chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan said such banning is illegal as the Immigration Act allows for entry into the state for political purposes.

Among the DAP MPs barred from entering are Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and Seremban MP Anthony Loke.

Others barred include Umno Sungai Besar chief and Gerakan Merah leader Jamal Md Yunos and controversial columnist Ridhuan Tee Abdullah.

PKR leaders barred from entry include its vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar and Youth deputy chief Afif Bahardin.

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