‘Draconian laws in place in Sabah’

Musa Aman's actions against Haris Ibrahim was a 'gross abuse of immigration powers' and has shown clearly that 'there is two Malaysias', says Sabah PKR.

KOTA KINABALU: The opposition in Sabah is of the view that the state has regressed back to the era of Usno and Berjaya when draconian laws were used indifferently against political opponents of the ruling party.

Citing the recent barring of civil rights activist Haris Ibrahim from entering the state, Sabah DAP chief Jimmy Wong said the ‘order’ from the top simply proved that “democracy was dead in Sabah” under Umno rule.

“What happened to Haris proved that democracy under Umno is dead in Sabah. It also shows that under BN, Sabah has no respect for human rights.

“Haris is not a terrorist, he comes here to bring freedom and justice.

“Denying him entry is stripping him of his freedom without very good valid reason,” Wong told FMT.

He said Sabah had become a “laughing stock” and Chief Minister Musa Aman’s directive had ‘shamed’ both the Barisan Nasional and Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s 1Malaysia concept.

“This Umno-led BN (decision) does not represent the true heart and soul of Sabahans.

“I want to ask Prime Minister Najib Razak, where is his 1Malaysia? I want to ask Musa, what is it that you are afraid of about Haris?” said Wong.

Two nations

Sabah’s PKR state liaison chief, Ahmad Thamrin Jaini said the state’s action against Haris, who is a lawyer and president of the Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM), showed “we have two Malaysia … two nations”.

Thamrin, who was re-appointed to the post by PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail recently, described Musa as an unfit leader who did not deserve support.

He also echoed Wong’s views adding that the move was a “gross abuse” of immigration power.

He said Musa as a state chairman for the security committee had failed to give a satisfactory reason for his decision.

He said Sabahans had the right to know why Haris was barred entry into Sabah on Dec 7.

The incident had incensed both politicians and activists in Sabah.

Musa when confronted by the press, refused to explain why his government barred Haris.

When pressed by newsmen, Musa said “the incident is related to security issues” and that the authorities “had strong reasons … that is all I want to say.”

According to Haris, the Notice of Dismissal of Entry to Sabah issued to him on his arrival at the Kota Kinabalu aiport on Dec 7 specified that it was in accordance with the Immigration Act 1959/63 that stipulated that the state authority has the power to bar him from entry.