Perak DAP chairperson Nga Kor Ming has hit out at Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem for barring Pakatan Harapan leaders from entering Sarawak, calling the move a ‘manifestation of dictatorship’.

Nga, who is the latest DAP leader to be prohibited from entering the state, said Adenan’s action had amounted to blatant abuse of power, citing Section 67 of the Immigration Act which states Sarawak shall not bar anyone from entering if the visit is to engage in political activities.

The Taiping lawmaker stressed that his party loves Sarawak and is willing to offer an alternative choice for the people of Sarawak but Barisan Nasional had abused its power by stopping DAP leaders from showing their love to the state.

"We are here because we love Sarawak. How could you forbid us from showing our love to Sarawak? Isn't it highly undemocratic and (a) manifestation of dictatorship?" asked Nga in a statement.

Arriving at the Sibu airport today, although he was with a 10-member delegation from Perak, only Nga was stopped from entering the state.

“It is obviously against the spirit of fair play and democracy,” he said, further criticising Adenan for practising discrimination and double standards, pointing out how BN MPs were allowed to campaign in the state.

Yesterday PKR's Bukit Katil MP Shamsul Iskandar was likewise denied entry into Sarawak upon arrival at Kuching International Airport.

Shamsul who arrived at 3.55pm was detained for almost three hours before being finally deported back to Kuala Lumpur on a 6.25pm flight.

He was previously denied entry on April 2 but allowed in after negotiations.

"I am confident this is a politically motivated move just days before nomination day.

"Clearly Adenan is incapable and not courageous enough to contest on a level playing field.

"Adenan is the most cowardly person in Sarawak," he said in a statement today.

Shamsul said he was confident that Sarawakians have the political awareness for change.

'Arrogant' move by CM

Also barred yesterday were Selangor state legislative assembly speaker Hannah Yeoh, as well as PKR leaders Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin and Machang Bubok state assemblyperson Lee Khai Loon.

In a statement today, Lee said the chief minister’s action was nothing but full of arrogance and inappropriate.

Similar with Nga, he also cited their right to enter under Section 67 of the Immigration Act.

“Therefore, barring opposition leaders is not valid and the immigration has been used as a political tool,” he said.

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

Adenan had justified the ban, saying it is to preserve state harmony.