Sabah MP Jeffrey Kitingan again denied entry into Sarawak

Keningau MP Jeffrey Kitingan has reportedly been denied entry into Sarawak for the second time.

According to Borneo Post, Jeffrey had applied for a special pass to enter Sarawak to participate in two meetings, but the application was rejected.

He was supposed to chair a Dayak International Organisation meeting yesterday afternoon, and then speak at a forum organised by the Movement for Change Sarawak later today, the report said.

“I hope the Sarawak government will reconsider and allow me, an elected Malaysian leader and a fellow Dayak, into the state for legitimate activities,” he was quoted as saying.

He reportedly added that while he respects Sarawak’s immigration powers, he regrets being denied entry since he had been fighting for the rights of Sabah and Sarawak within the Malaysian federation.

Sarawak CM claims unaware of ban

Meanwhile, Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg reportedly said he was unaware that Jeffrey has been denied entry to the state for the second time.

"I'm unaware of this. I will check on it," Abang Johari said, as quoted by online portal Free Malaysia Today when met after the launch of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) new year and 65th-anniversary celebrations last night.

Previously, it was reported that Jeffrey was turned away at the Kuching Airport in March 2017, due to a ban that had been in force since a month earlier.

Under the Malaysia Agreement 1969, both Sabah and Sarawak have immigration powers over their respective borders and can prevent anyone who is not born in the state from entering.

If a person is blacklisted, one could still enter if the ban is lifted or if a special pass is issued to temporarily allow the person to enter.

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