newsflash

A long-time Sarawak resident who was barred from the state early this year has been given a last-minute respite by the state authorities to vote in the state elections today.

The state immigration department issued a letter to businessman Tan Seng Him early this morning allowing him to exercise his rights as a voter for the Piasau state seat in Miri.

However, Tan was compelled to adhere to three conditions imposed by the department:

- Present himself to the department

- Stays only at his home in Miri

- Leaves Sarawak today

The 61-year-old former Chinese educationist was deported from Sarawak on Jan 6 after having resided there for 23 years for allegedly criticising the state government.

He was 'accidentally' allowed back into the state by the Miri airport authorities on Sunday.

[Full report to follow]