Saifuddin: No reason for Rafizi to pre-empt Sarawak entry ban

THERE’S no reason for Economic Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli to pre-empt his potential restriction from entering Sarawak, as long as he does not open up “unnecessary dimensions”, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. 

Saifuddin, who is also Pakatan Harapan secretary-general, emphasised that Sarawak remains a strategic partner in the federal administration and a “friendly party” within the Unity Government.

“There is no need to pre-empt such a scenario,” Saifuddin said when asked about Rafizi’s remark.

“Sarawak is a friendly partner, part of the government. I believe such concerns are unnecessary. 

“Our focus should be on completing the campaign in an orderly manner, in accordance with procedures and regulations,” he told reporters after the launching of the Battalions 21, 22 and 23 at the Sabah Police headquarters in Kota Kinabalu on Sunday. 

Rafizi Ramli was reported as suggesting on Saturday night that he might face entry restrictions into Sarawak if he loses his ministerial post. 

Rafizi said this at a PKR election campaign event in Kuching, in Sarawak on Saturday night. 

The remarks come just as the PKR party elections about to conclude where he is defending his deputy president post against rival vice president Nurul Izzah Anwar, who is also the daughter of the party president, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. 

The Home Minister stressed that political cooperation with Sarawak remains strong, particularly in maintaining national stability.

“Sarawak is our partner in ensuring political stability in Malaysia. They are our partners in the struggle,” he added. 

Towards this end, Saifuddin urged party leaders to stay focused on the campaign, adding that party leaders should not open up unnecessary dimensions such as pre-emptive claims of being barred from entering. 

Like Sabah, Sarawak holds constitutional immigration powers to restrict the entry of any individual deemed to pose a risk to the state’s security, public order, or the interests of its people. 

Between 2013 and 2018, the Sarawak state government under the Barisan Nasional then barred Rafizi and several other Pakatan Harapan leaders from entering the Borneo state.  - May 18, 2025