Taib may bar Jeffrey, Anwar from Sarawak
Rumours are making the rounds that the chief minister may slap a persona non grata order on opposition leaders.
(Free Malaysia Today) – KOTA KINABALU: Embattled Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud may soon slap a “persona non grata” order on Jeffrey Kitingan and Anwar Ibrahim, two influential opposition leaders.
Insiders in the know have tipped off FMT that Taib’s circle is mulling the drastic action to stop the two from bolstering the state opposition PKR and SNAP ahead of the impending state election.
An insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Taib’s political aides recently suggested state use its powerful immigration powers to deny entry to few peninsular opposition leaders, notably Anwar, and Jeffrey from Sabah.
Apparently this is to stem the tide of critical views, especially from the Dayaks who are questioning Taib and his 30-year regime.
Taib, however, sidestepped the idea for the time being, convinced that such action might not necessarily weaken the opposition groups but could instead embolden more people to go up openly against him.
Recently a political secretary to Taib issued a warning to Sarawakians not to fall into the trap of Jeffrey.
Observers said his statement underlines the worries of Taib’s men on the expanding clout of the leader of United Borneo Front (UBF) among the Dayaks.
