Bersih calls on Sarawak govt to lift entry ban on chairperson

 

Electoral reform coalition Bersih has called on the Sarawak state government to lift an entry ban imposed against its chairperson Thomas Fann since 2016, as well as other individuals barred.

Bersih, in a statement, said the latest rejection was issued by Sarawak State Secretary Jaul Samion in response to Fann's (above) application to enter Sarawak as part of the Ketuanan Pengundi Roadshow team that is due to hold a town hall session in Kuching on Saturday.

"While the Immigration Act grants Sarawak and Sabah the right to deny entry to any non-residents of the East Malaysian states, it was never intended to restrict legitimate political activities under Section 67 of the Act," said Bersih's steering committee.

"Bersih is on a nationwide Ketuanan Pengundi Roadshow to bring awareness to the Malaysian public of the urgent electoral and political reforms needed to strengthen our parliamentary democracy before GE15.

"Fann, as the chair of our organisation, is key in spearheading this important campaign and was expected to address this Saturday's town hall in person," it said.

Despite the entry ban on Fann, Bersih said it would continue to highlight the message of restoring voters' supremacy after two-and-a-half years of political uncertainties and upheavals brought on by the Sheraton Move in 2020.

"Fann will deliver his address virtually though he would have very much loved to meet with friends and supporters in person and enjoy their warm hospitality," Bersih added. - Mkini