MCLM CHIEF BARRED FROM ENTERING SABAH

By : FANDI MUTILAH

MALAYSIA Civil Liberty’s Movement (MCLM) Chairman, Haris Fadilah Mohd Ibrahim received an ‘unwelcome’ treatment from the state government upon his arrival at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) Terminal 2, here, yesterday.

Harris, a Malaysian blogger and believed to be a close friend of Malaysian blogger Raja Petra, was prevented from entering Sabah upon his arrival on AirAsia flight AK 5106 at 3.10pm at the KKIA Terminal 2.

It was learnt that upon arrival, Haris was immediately taken to the airport Immigration office by an immigration officer and was served with a notice.

Speaking to reporters through a handphone of one of Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) members, Haris said the notice was addressed to him, dated December 7, on behalf of the Sabah Immigration director.

“I have just been handed a notice of refusal of entry into the state of Sabah, dated today and address to me on behalf of the Immigration Sabah director.

“The notice says that the reason that I have been barred is that pursuant to Section 65 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, the state authority has directed that no pass be issued to me to enter the state of Sabah as such part required under Section 66 for me to enter the state.

“The reason for my refusal to enter Sabah today is because the state authority has directed that no pass be issued to me,” he said through the handphone.

According to Haris, the officer who spoke and handed the notice to him claimed that the instruction came from the Immigration Department and they do not know the reason why he was refused a pass to enter.

“They also did not explain to me what the section is about, only that I have been refused to enter the state of Sabah,” he added.

In a disappointed voice, Haris asked why he, as a Malaysian was barred and prevented from entering another state in Malaysia?

“Why a Malaysian cannot enter Malaysia?”

“Why is the Sabah government afraid of? Why are they afraid of one person from Peninsular Malaysia that they have to refuse me from entering Sabah?” he asked.

It was learnt that Harris was invited by SAPP members to exchange and learn about the struggle of MCLM.

Haris also said that this was the first time he had been barred from entering Sabah and twice being barred from entering Sarawak, during the Sarawak state election.

“The reason I flew into Sabah is to deliver a message to the people of Sabah and now we will show the Sabah government that with technology, we can deliver our message to the people without me being physically present,” he said.

Harris was then deported back to Kuala Lumpur on the next flight at 4.20pm the same day.

Meanwhile, SAPP deputy president and Likas assemblyman Datuk Liew Teck Chan with about 15 SAPP members were earlier, at the KKIA Terminal 2 to great and welcome Harris.

After learning that Haris was prevented from entering the state, SAPP members then staged a five-minute peaceful protest in front of the arrival hall at Terminal 2 before they dispersed peacefully.

According to Liew, the party had invited Haris to gain more understanding of the MCLM’s movement in regards to politics and economy.

“He, Haris, has been in the United Kingdom for some time, so we want to learn from him as he is well knowledgeable,” said Liew.