KUALA LUMPUR – Activists from Sabah and Sarawak have urged that five individuals, including Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, be barred from entering the states for allegedly exacerbating racial and religious tensions in the country.
According to a joint statement issued by the Sarawak Association for People’s Aspirations Association (Sapa) and Sabah Defenders of Ancestral Lands (Mopot), the four others are Mohd Ridhuan Tee Abdullah, Muhammad Zamri Vinoth Kalimuthu, Syakir Nasoha, and Firdaus Wong Wai Hung.
Sapa’s head of publicity and information, Peter John Jaban, along with Mopot Sabah representative Atama Katama, said that the governments of both states have been requested to update the immigration blacklist and include the names of the five individuals.
“This call emphasises the need to include individuals who have contributed to the escalation of racial and religious tensions, as well as social discord in the region.
“This demand is in response to recent individuals who contributed to the escalation of racial and religious tensions as well as social discord in the region,” the statement said.
Peter John also said that Sarawak’s autonomy to regulate its immigration powers is outlined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He said that the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem also advocated for barring “extremists, religious bigots, and troublemakers” from Peninsular Malaysia.
“Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg also should build a new list of individuals not welcomed in Sarawak to protect the interests of our region, maintain a peaceful environment, and uphold the values of inclusivity, tolerance, and social harmony.
“The proposed updated immigration blacklist includes individuals who have incited protests and boycotts, fueled racial and religious tolerance, created fear and insecurity, and promoted divisive attitudes,” he said.
He said this move would uphold peace in Sarawak.
Adenan had previously included two individuals on the immigration blacklist: Perkasa chief Datuk Ibrahim Ali and Umno Sungai Besar division chief Datuk Seri Jamal Yunus. – April 4, 2024