Zaid Kamaruddin of Negara-ku believes no other members of the NGO has been banned by the Sabah government. - The Malaysian Insider pic, November 15, 2014.Disappointed over Sabah’s entry ban imposed on Negara-ku patron Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, the non-governmental organisation said it is looking at other ways, such as Skype webcam, to enable her to speak at its forum in the state later this month.
“We are disappointed and feel that the ban is inappropriate. After all, she has been given a datukship, as a recognition for her contributions to the country," said Negara-ku co-founder Zaid Kamaruddin.
He said the people’s movement might consider using other options to enable Ambiga to participate in the November 25 forum.
"For now, we have no plans yet but we will consider the practicality of using Skype as an option," he added.
Ambiga, who formerly headed the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih), was informed yesterday via a letter from the Sabah Immigration Department that she was not allowed to enter the state.
She had earlier written to the department to enquire if she would be restricted from entering the state to speak at a forum on national unity, which will also feature Tan Sri Simon Sipaun and Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
Zaid said that as far as he knew, no other Negara-ku member has been barred from entering the East Malaysian state for the forum.
The visit to Sabah is part of Negara-Ku's nationwide road show to "reclaim Malaysia" and return rationality, open and civil discussion, moderation and harmony to the country.
The roadshow began on Wednesday night in Malacca, and will cover six other states: Perak, Johor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Sabah and Kuala Lumpur.
Endorsed by over 60 civil society groups, the movement's patrons are Ambiga, national laureate Datuk A. Samad Said and former vice-chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), Tan Sri Simon Sipaun.
The ban on Ambiga has been criticised by politicians, including Penampang MP Darell Leiking, who said the Sabah government should not abuse its power to deter people who do not pose any security problems to enter the state.
"I must emphasise that I fully support the autonomy of Sabah on being able to decide who can enter Sabah. But it must be used in the right manner," he said.
"It should be used against real criminal elements who pose security concerns such as Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Perkasa president), who had threatened to burn Bibles."
He said the state was using its right as a "political tool" against Ambiga, who was bringing "constitutional enlightenment" to the people of Sabah.
"I don't know what they are so afraid of. What about the vast number of illegals entering Sabah, which is a huge problem. That is more of a concern than people who want to educate and help," he added.
Earlier, Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng said the ban on Ambiga showed that the Barisan Nasional government have lost their power of reason and their sense of what is right and wrong, pointing at their "siege mentality".
"Laws are meant to ensure the interests and security of Sabah, and she is only going to be speaking about the rule of law. She is a lawyer.
"How can the rule of law and upholding what is right and wrong be a threat to Sabah's security?
"Obviously this is a travesty of justice and we hope they will respect the rule of law and democracy by reversing the ban," Lim said.
- TMI
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