I'm not trying to steal timber, says Penang DCM after being barred

Penang Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy is the latest to be barred from entering Sarawak.

The DAP deputy secretary-general is currently waiting to be deported from the Kuching international airport.

Ramasamy told Malaysiakini that he arrived in Kuching at about 11.15am, and when he submitted his MyKad to the immigration department officers, they detected a travel ban.

“I was then ushered to a room, where an immigration officer politely told me that I am barred and they are just following orders.

“I asked what was the reason (for the ban). As I understand, Sarawak is still part of Malaysia and I have been here before.

“I am not here to take their timber or steal their resources,” he said.

The DAP leader also took a swipe at Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem, whom Ramasamy said he had once possessed a degree of respect for.

“I had some respect for the new chief minister, he was always saying the right things. But I think he too is beholden to Umno.

“He is no better than his predecessor (Abdul Taib Mahmud),” he added, claiming that Adenan is subservient to the old order as well.

Furthermore, Ramasamy said if BN and Adenan did not impose travel restrictions, especially during an election period, it would make their victory in the state polls more meaningful.

“Now by barring us, it taints their victory,” he added.

Opposition leaders have been crying foul over the barring of its leaders as well as civil society leaders from entering the East Malaysian state, which has immigration autonomy.

Today is the nomination for the 82 seats to be contested in Sarawak’s 11th state election. Polling has been fixed for May 7.