PKR sec-gen blocked from entering Sarawak

PETALING JAYA: PKR secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic) was blocked from entering Sarawak after arriving in Sibu at 11am on Tuesday to help candidates in PKR's Balingian campaign.

"Upon arrival in Sibu this morning, he was informed by an officer that a directive to block him from entering the State was issued by the Sarawak Chief Minister's office on Saturday," said PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil in a press statement.

Fahmi also said that Saifuddin is now waiting for a flight back to Kuala Lumpur.

"PKR vehemently denounces this undemocratic action. It clear political despotism still exists, Taib Mahmud's influence continues to inhibit the growth of democracy in Sarawak despite the change of Sarawak Chief Minister," said Fahmi.

Veteran politician Tan Sri Adenan Satem was sworn in as Sarawak's fifth Chief Minister on February 28 after Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud stepped down after serving for 33 years.