Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem reaffirmed that he is prepared to work with NGOs conditionally, including the Bersih coalition and activists banned from entering the state by his predecessor Abdul Taib Mahmud.

He said this during a plenary discussion at the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) in Putrajaya where he voiced the state government’s preparedness to work with NGOs such as Global Witness.

This prompted a question from former Bersih co-chairperson Ambiga Sreenevasan on whether he was also prepared to work with Bersih to minimise vote-buying, ensure fair access to the media and other electoral issues in the upcoming state election.

“Yes we are prepared, provided that you are not with the opposition. You don’t have to be with us, all you need is to be objective. That’s all,” Adenan replied.

Later, Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) executive director Cynthia Gabriel asked Adenan if he was also willing to work with NGOs and activists who had previously been barred from entering Sarawak, and lift the travel ban imposed on them.

Again, the chief minister conditionally answered in the affirmative.

Adenan stressed that his government would not allow ‘extremists’ to enter the state, citing Perkasa chief Ibrahim Ali ( photo ) and controversial lecturer Ridhuan Tee Abdullah as examples of persona non grata.

“If you approach matters in moderation. We exclude extremists, we exclude religious fanatics, because ours is a very peaceful society. We don’t want these people to bring venom into our state. That is one of our main reasons.

“But if you are prepared to be tempered by moderation, and you are prepared to be compromising, what not?

“Would you entertain people like Riduan Tee? Would you entertain people like Ibrahim Ali? We don’t, and I hope you don’t too. These are the kind of characters that we prohibit from entering our state,” he said.

Related reports

Rally Behind Mahathir or live with Najib

Economic committee's first task is ask PM to leave

Nur Jazlan claims Amanah's vehicle not a political party

'France optimistic M'sia will buy Rafale warplanes'

'Malaysian' in tourism posters, 'Chinese' in rallies

Why target vernacular schools when it's more multi-racial?

Umno man urges counter to 'Chinese' Bersih rally

DAP: Liow dancing to Umno's 'racist' tune

Five things we may have forgotten post-Bersih 4

An eventful three months, but will Najib get the message?

Khairuddin roasts IGP for going after Dr M but not PM

PM to Dr M: Get off the national centre stage

My open letter to Low and IACC delegates

Expelled Wanita Umno leader can hold her head high

MCA grassroots reportedly unhappy Liow too soft in BN

On cue, Umno plays race card in wake of Bersih 4

Haze worsens, 12 areas declared 'unhealthy'

Three weeks later, AG 'still studying' 1MDB probe report

At least 1pct of the citizens attended Bersih 4