PETALING JAYA: Several Bersih members have allegedly been barred from entering Sabah, claims the electoral watchdog.
Sabah Bersih vice-chairman Muhamad Fadhil Muhamad Kasim claimed that their advocacy officer Anas Nor'azim was turned away when he arrived at the Tawau Airport on Saturday (Aug 29).
Meanwhile, Bersih chairman Faisal Aziz and committee member Alyaah Hani were also informed that they have been barred from entering Sabah since June 30.
Fadhil also claimed that Bersih executive director Asraf Sharafi had previously faced a similar restriction.
"This development raises serious questions because it is no longer an isolated case, but involves several activists directly involved in democracy advocacy and civil society work," he said in a statement.
While they acknowledge the autonomy rights of Sabah Immigration as enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement 1963, Fadhil said the enforcement of such power must be transparent and accountable.
"The big question is what is the basis and reasoning behind the restrictions against these activists?" he asked.
He pointed out that, for the past 20 years, Bersih has contributed to strengthening democracy in Malaysia through its advocacy work and electoral monitoring, among others.
The current Madani government also stresses the importance of freedom of speech and an openness towards differing opinions within the framework of the law, he added.
"This principle should guide the enforcement of administrative powers, including immigration.
"If there are any security-related or legal reasons for this restriction, we believe it should be revealed to the rakyat with full responsibility.
"Sabah Immigration's powers should not be enforced without a transparent and reasonable justification," Fadhil urged.
If this incident goes unexplained, he claimed that it could create a worrying precedent for civil societies in Malaysia.
"Yesterday, it was Asraf. Today, it's Anas, Faisal and Alyaah Hani.
"Who will it be tomorrow?" he asked.
Fadhil called on the Sabah government to provide an explanation immediately for the bans against the Bersih members.
He also said if the restrictions were found to be without basis, they should be withdrawn to allow the individuals involved legal entry into Sabah.
