KOTA KINABALU: July 2, 2026 – A Sabah-based non-governmental organisation has voiced its support for the state government’s decision to bar the executive director of electoral reform group Bersih from entering the territory.
Bantuan Orang Susah Sabah (BOSS) president Datuk Kenny Chua said the move was consistent with the state’s immigration rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Chua argued that Sabah does not require individuals from the peninsula to lead or participate in protest rallies, asserting that its own residents are fully capable of determining what is best for the state.
He advised Bersih director Asraf Sharafi to focus on issues in Peninsular Malaysia and leave Sabah’s affairs to its local population.
Chua also expressed his full backing for Chief Minister Hajiji Noor, stressing that entry bans are not unprecedented.
He pointed to 2013, when several political leaders—including Lim Kit Siang, Teresa Kok, Rafizi Ramli, Anwar Ibrahim and Nurul Izzah Anwar—were similarly barred from entering Sabah. He described this immigration power as crucial for safeguarding the state’s interests and preserving public order.
Asraf was denied entry upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport on 30 June after being served with a Sabah Warning Notice (NAS).
Bersih has questioned the legal basis for the restriction, alleging that it was imposed just days before the planned Gempur Rasuah Sabah 3.0 anti-corruption rally.
