Review names of individualls who have been blacklistted or barred from Sarawak, National PKR vice president tells state government

KUCHING, Oct 4 2026: National PKR vice president Roland Engan has called on the Sarawak government to review the names of individuals who have been blacklisted or barred from entering Sarawak, including re-evaluating the basis, duration, and necessity of such restrictions.

Caption: National PKR vice president Roland Engan asks  if an individual has been blacklisted for a long time, are the grounds for that restriction still relevant?

He clarified that he is not calling for Sarawak's immigration powers to be set aside, but merely suggesting that these powers be exercised in the spirit of periodic review, fairness, and the public interest.

"If an individual has been blacklisted for a long time, are the grounds for that restriction still relevant?" Roland asked when commenting on the ban imposed on Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president Meenakshi Raman from entering Sarawak on Sept 29.

"If circumstances have changed, why is the restriction not being reviewed?" he asked in a statement posted on his Facebook.

Roland said if there are valid security or legal reasons, the public deserves to be assured that every decision is made based on legitimate and proportionate grounds.

"In the case of SAM president, I am of the view that the Sarawak government should reconsider the restriction and allow her to enter Sarawak to carry out work that is lawful and in the public interest," he said.

Roland asked what threat Meenakshi could pose to Sarawak.

He said SAM is a civil society organisation that has long been engaged in work related to the environment, indigenous peoples, agriculture, and community rights. 

"SAM itself has stated that its office in Marudi supports indigenous communities in community-based forest management and agroecology projects.

"In fact, it maintains an office in Marudi, Baram, and conducts programmes involving agroecology training, seedling production, sustainable agriculture, and support for community initiatives," Roland explained.

He has personally observed that SAM Marudi has helped raise community awareness regarding human rights and community rights; consumer rights; the rights and interests of indigenous peoples; sustainable agriculture and agroecology; and sustainable land management and usage.

He said SAM Marudi also has helped in environmental conservation; and the community's capacity to participate in defending their interests.

"In my view, such work should not be viewed merely as a burden or a threat to the Sarawak government," he added.