Sabah bars Bersih executive director from entering the state

PARTI Bersama Malaysia (Bersama) has urged the Sabah government to provide a formal explanation following the reported entry restriction imposed on Bersih executive director Asraf Sharafi Mohd Azhar upon his arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport on 30 June 2026.

According to reports, Asraf was informed by immigration officials that his name had been placed under the Sabah Alert Notice (NAS), resulting in him being barred from entering the state.

Bersama said it respects Sabah’s constitutional authority over immigration matters, as provided under the Federal Constitution and the Immigration Act 1959/63, noting that the state’s autonomy remains a key safeguard of its interests and welfare.

However, the party stressed that such powers must be exercised fairly, responsibly and with clear justification to avoid perceptions of arbitrariness and to maintain public confidence in decision-making processes.

It noted that in Asraf’s case, he is understood to reside in Kota Kinabalu due to family ties and regularly travels between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia in his capacity as executive director of Bersih.

Bersama said the restriction therefore raises broader concerns not only about governance transparency but also about potential impacts on family welfare and personal circumstances.

The party also questioned whether the entry restriction was linked to the planned “Gempur Rasuah Sabah 3.0” peaceful rally scheduled to take place in Kota Kinabalu on 4 July 2026.

It said the timing of the action, just days before the planned assembly, warranted clarification, particularly in relation to the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and freedom of movement within the country in accordance with the law.

Bersama urged the Sabah government to issue an official statement explaining the basis for the decision, saying that transparency was essential to prevent speculation and to reinforce public confidence that Sabah’s immigration autonomy is exercised in a fair, measured and public interest-driven manner.

Party president Syukri Razab said the explanation was necessary to ensure accountability and to uphold trust in the use of state powers. - July 1, 2026