Adenan Satem: No place for the likes of Ibrahim Ali in Sarawak

KUCHING: The state government will continue to review its list of persona non grata (unwelcome persons), which now includes the likes of Perkasa president Datuk Ibrahim Ali.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem said on Monday that Ibrahim could attempt to enter the state but should be prepared for the consequences.

He said it was no longer a relevant issue whether the controversial Malay right-wing group leader came and left Sarawak some two weeks ago.

“He will find out what will happen the next time he comes to Sarawak,” Adenan told a press conference here.

During the Balingian by-election, the state government turned away four PKR leaders namely Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin, strategic director Rafizi Ramli, national vice-president Tian Chua and secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

However, Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was allowed entry.

Adenan dismissed talk that the state government allowed Anwar into Sarawak because of fear of international repercussions.

“They have an inflated view of Anwar. We let him in because we’re not afraid of him,” he said, pointing out that the Opposition leader hardly commanded any influence in the state.

He said the fact that PKR lost in the Balingian by-election and nearly lost its deposit showed that Anwar had little or no influence in the area.

Barisan Nasional’s candidate Yussibnosh Balo retained the Balingian seat with an increased majority of 6,911 votes, polling 8,194 to defeat Abdul Jalil Bujang of PKR, who garnered 1,283 votes.