Tuesday, 8 April 2025

State urged to enforce immigration autonomy

Facebook
X
WhatsApp
Telegram
Email

LET’S READ SUARA SARAWAK/ NEW SARAWAK TRIBUNE E-PAPER FOR FREE AS ​​EARLY AS 2 AM EVERY DAY. CLICK LINK

KUCHING: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Woman chief Kho Teck Wan acknowledged that Malaysia is a Muslim country and respect its immigration right. 

However, she said Sarawak has its own immigration autonomy, and is proud of the social harmony and acceptance of others, which should be beyond politics and religion and let the true spirit of sports prevail.

Kho was responding to Malaysia’s decision to impose a blanket ban on all Israeli athletes from participating in the upcoming World Para Swimming Championship.

She added that Sarawak as an equal partner to Malaysia has immigration autonomy through Annex E of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

Therefore, Kho urged the state government to assert its immigration right to allow Israeli swimmers to participate in the championship which will be held here from July 29 to August 4.

“The International Paralympic Committee was quoted by AFP as being disappointed at Malaysia’s federal government’s decision to ban the athletes from enterting the country. The UK Labour Party’s leaders at their House of Common had called on the British Government to oppose Malaysia’s decision and suggested that the championship venue be relocated. With the current development, it may cause Sarawak to lose its host position.

See also  Crocodile watching to lure eco-tourists

“By allowing the athletes to enter Sarawak, the state will be perceived as a land that is friendly towards the international community. Since 2019 is also ‘Visit Sarawak Year’, the move will certainly help promote Sarawak’s tourism industry,” she added.

She also urged fellow Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders and comrades to look beyond politics and religion regarding the matter.

“Let’s welcome all athletes to Sarawak and uphold the spirit of true Olympics which aims to promote mutual understanding, friendship, solidarity and fair play.”

Related News

Most Viewed Last 2 Days

a72551c3-8603-4fe9-8a3d-1fc9723469a8
Mile 8 flyover project enters design phase
324fe38c-2c11-4899-b5af-3d6cf9cd3d21
RM2.5 mln drainage upgrade underway to curb flooding in Mile 9 area
KCH-sunway alti-0804-fk=445(1)
Sunway College Kuching wins Yayasan Peneraju endorsement
KCH&SS-dbkuroad-1803-man1
Councils team up to ensure integrity of heritage buildings
KCH-Sibu kin-0804-fk=166(1)
Sibu Hospital urgently seeks male patient's next of kin