Activist Peter John Jaban wants Immigration Department to clarify the SOP used in banning SAM president from entering the state

KUCHING, Oct 1 2026: Sarawak activist Peter John Jaban is calling on Sarawak immigration authorities to clarify the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which led to Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president Meenakshi Raman being denied entry to the state last Tuesday.

Caption: Activist Peter John Jaban  says that the denial of entry against SAM president Meenakshi Raman has been handled very badly. 

He said the use of Sarawak’s important immigration autonomy must be carefully and meaningfully deployed as a clear statement of Sarawak’s policy and not as a strong-arm tactic against environmental defenders, which will bring the good name of Sarawak into disrepute.

“Our immigration autonomy is one of the most important safeguards that Sarawak retains under MA63. It allows us to protect our unique context within Malaysia. It should be used transparently and appropriately, and in a manner which promotes Sarawak’s aims and objectives. 

This has been handled very badly. We now look like we have something to hide," he said in response to the denial of entry against  Meenakshi  by the Immigration Department upon her arrival at the Miri Airport on Sept 29.

“Sarawak is proudly working towards a policy of social inclusivity, sustainability and environmental protections under Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030)," he said, adding that banning Meenakshi was taken with no clear explanation against the head of a recognised non-governmental organisation (NGO), working on environmental protections and supporting Indigenous communities and their rights, completely undermines this image.

Peter, who is also deputy president of Global Human Rights Federation (Malaysia) said the policies and actions in Sarawak should be firm enough to withstand scrutiny. 

"If immigration authorities have a reason of sufficient importance to deny entry, then this needs to be clearly communicated for the good of the state. 

"In this case, Meenakshi was simply told that ‘a report’ had been lodged against her on May 21, 2025. If this report exists, why has it not been progressed in the last year and a half?" he asked.

He added anyone can make a report, but it should be properly investigated and found to have a basis important enough to exercise this vital protection, otherwise, it is a serious failing and a misuse of power.

"This kind of public relations crisis should be a thing of the past. Our powers should be exercised fairly, transparently and in accordance with the law. Furthermore, if a person is denied entry, the public deserves to know the lawful basis and specific reasons for such a decision," Peter said.

He reminded that activists are not politicians as their role is to bring attention to issues, amplify the voices of communities and advocate for people's rights, particularly where communities may have limited access to political or institutional platforms. 

He stressed that peaceful advocacy, constructive criticism and legitimate civil-society activities should not automatically be interpreted as attempts to create disharmony. 

He said activists who stand with Indigenous peoples, defend Native Customary Rights (NCR) and protect the environment are not a threat simply because they raise difficult questions, challenge decisions or speak out on issues affecting local communities. 

"We recognise that Sarawak has its own immigration authority and that this is an important part of protecting the State's interests, security and social harmony,: Peter said, adding he fully supports Sarawak's right to prevent individuals who deliberately seek to create racial or religious hatred, violence, intimidation or serious social disharmony from entering the State. 

"But it should not be directed at activists, environmentalists, human-rights defenders or Indigenous-rights advocates who peacefully defend the rights, dignity and heritage of Sarawak's Indigenous Peoples and the environment. Nor should it be based on some shady and poorly explained ‘report’ from over a year ago," he reminded.

He stressed that Sarawak has always been proud of its diversity, unique identity and social harmony, saying that protecting that harmony should also mean protecting the space for peaceful advocacy, constructive criticism and legitimate civil society. 

"If we are doing the right thing, then constructive criticism should strengthen our direction, not undermine it," he pointed out, cautioning that development should never mean silencing those who speak for the people and the land. 

"We should be able to disagree without treating one another as enemies. We can defend Sarawak's autonomy while respecting the important role of civil society," he reminded.