SARAWAK’S move to deny a political analyst entry into the state to attend an Electoral Reform Committee workshop is both cowardly and an abuse of power, said Bersatu today.

Supreme council member Wan Saiful Wan Jan, in a statement, said the ruling Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) move to block Wong Chin Huat from entering the state showed that the pact fears change.

“The power to control entry and exit in Sarawak should not be used for GPS’ narrow politics.

“This is a misuse of power by a pact led by politicians who fear the change in our country. It seems that GPS is afraid of change.”

Wong, in a Facebook post, said he has been denied entry into Sarawak despite making the trip on government purposes, a right provided for under Section 68 of the Immigration Act.

“I have been stranded in the Immigration office for about four hours. The Immigration officers have all been very courteous.

“However, I have been denied medical attention. In the long hours of waiting, I suffered a headache. I requested to check my blood pressure, and it recorded 194/110.”

He said he had requested since 7.15pm to see a doctor, but was ignored.

“I do not think it is reasonable for me in this condition to board a 110-minute flight before receiving treatment.

“I’m glad that I finally got a hold of Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, who is arranging for a doctor to see me. I hope to see the doctor soon.”

Wan Saiful said GPS must stop abusing power to control the political narrative in the state.

“Malaysians want a country that respects democracy, where elections are run smoothly and transparently.

“Is GPS afraid of the electoral system in place under Pakatan Harapan?

“To me, this restriction symbolises GPS’ desire to prevent Sarawakians from enjoying a transparent and competitive electoral system, because they fear the rise of the people.” – November 14, 2019.