Amanah communications director Khalid Samad is the latest opposition leader to be banned from Sarawak in the run-up to the state election.

He was deported upon arrival at the Kuching International Airport last night at 7.55pm.

Khalid joins the list of victims of Sarawak’s autonomous immigration powers, which opposition leaders allege is being abused to keep them out of the election campaign.

So far, more than 40 opposition lawmakers, activists and academicians have been banned from entering the state, including PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli, DAP lawmakers Tony Pua and Anthony Loke as well as Amanah president Mohamad Sabu.

Opposition lawmakers have contended that travellers engaged in legitimate political activities are allowed entry under Sections 66 and 67 of the Immigration Act and they are considering taking legal action against the state.

The Sarawak Immigration Department has thus far declined to reveal the full list of those barred from entering the state.