Yeoh demands explanation for deportation from Sarawak

Selangor Speaker says she was not given any explanation beyond that she was barred from entering the state upon orders from Sarawak authorities.

SUBANG JAYA: Selangor Speaker Hannah Yeoh is demanding answers from Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem as to why she was banned from entering Sarawak, following her arrival there for a Christian event at a local church.

“Am I a threat to the people of Sarawak or am I a threat to the unrighteous authorities in Sarawak?” the DAP Subang Jaya assemblyperson asked in a heated open letter to the Sarawak Government.

“I would like an explanation from the Barisan Nasional caretaker government, failing which an apology would be appropriate.”

Yeoh argued that the Federal Constitution guaranteed her right to practise her religion freely, and questioned why she was not allowed to attend a church event with her fellow believers in Sibu.

“Pastors were waiting to pick me up from the airport. On what grounds did Adenan Satem use to ban me from entering Sarawak? Why wasn’t anyone been able to explain this at the immigration office?” she asked.

Earlier Yeoh had tweeted: “Landed at Sibu airport. Banned from entering Sarawak. I’m here for an event hosted by the church.”

According to Yeoh, she had arrived at Sibu Airport around 10:55am today for a Christian event to be held tonight in a local church.

Yeoh was escorted into a room after being told at the immigration counter that her name was listed amongst those who were banned from entering Sarawak.

“The officer refused to read my invitation letter from the hosting church or my Speaker namecard. When asked why I was banned, the officer could only reply ‘I’m sorry Puan, ini atas arahan pihak berkuasa negeri Sarawak’.” (“I’m sorry, Madam, this is on orders from the Sarawak state authorities.”)

Yeoh said that two Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) officers then entered the room and demanded RM1013.35 in cash for her return flight to KLIA.

“In less than 45 minutes after my arrival, I was escorted by three uniformed officers back to the plane,” she said. “I was not given any papers/slips explaining the deportation.”

“Immigration laws were enacted to protect the people of Sarawak. I organised fundraising dinners in Selangor to build basic infrastructures for the poor in Sarawak. How can that be a threat?”