DEWAN Negara president Vigneswaran Sanasee committed a breach of security at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport when he tried to enter a secured area after being stopped for violating the dress code, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said today.
Loke said Vigneswaran, who is also the MIC president, was not allowed into the area beyond the departure gate because his attire did not meet the airport dress code for VIPs.
The transport minister told a press conference at KLIA today that it was a serious issue as it involved security protocol for the VIP areas.
“Airports are restricted areas and not anyone can just enter. In this case the VIP was sending off his child and was using the VIP lane. VIPs can access the departure hall all the way to the departure gate.
“Whoever you are, whether you are a minister or a VIP, please cooperate with the airport staff, they are just doing their job.
“Even I have to follow the rules,” Loke said.
On November 14 at 10.40pm, Vigneswaran had tried to access the VIP area wearing slippers.
The security guard on duty asked him to stop but he refused and made a scene.
Customer officials informed him of the dress code but he grew upset when told that he would not be allowed past the boarding gate to see his child off.
He refused to change out of his slippers and continued to use the facilities. However, he did not force his way through to the boarding gate.
“If an officer tells you not to go through, and the person does not comply, it is encroachment of a secured area,” Loke said.
“The dress code violation is minor, the main issue is encroachment of a secured area when officers told him to stop.”
Loke said as Senate president Vigneswaran should set a good example and follow the rules, adding that there was no political motivation in publicising the matter.
“I do not want to shame him, but because this is a case, I have to publicise this.
“It’s nothing personal, it’s not because he is from the opposition, but because of his position as the President of the Senate. He should show a good example.
The transport minister also urged the MIC president to publicly apologise.
Loke said as it was not under his ministry’s jurisdiction to decide if Vigneswaran should be barred from using the facilities, a report on the matter will be sent to the Prime Minister’s Department.
“I’m not sure if anybody has been stripped of their privileges (from using the VIP lane) before. I’m not saying I have the power to do so.
“We will tender this report to the PM’s department, because there is a specific department handling the movement and usage of the VIP lanes. I (have) asked Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad to make a report and give it to the PM’s Department.” he said.
The security areas are regulated by the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959 under the Prime Minister’s Department. – November 17, 2018.
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Comments
This Tan Sri is not a VVIP. He behaviour is akin to a thug. His pass should be revoked as a lesson to others who think they can flout the law and get away with it.. Anyway, this is not surprising.. MIC, DUMNO, - All BN mentality!
Posted 7 years ago by TTs Take · Reply
Posted 7 years ago by TTs Take · Reply
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