Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has weighed in on recent comments made by Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli regarding potential entry restrictions into Sarawak, advising political figures to refrain from making speculative claims that may unnecessarily stir tensions.
Saifuddin, who also serves as the Pakatan Harapan secretary-general, maintained that Sarawak continues to be a valuable and cooperative partner within the federal administration. According to him, the relationship between the state and the central government remains cordial, and there is no indication that would justify concern over access issues for federal leaders.
His remarks followed Rafizi’s suggestion during a campaign event in Kuching that he could face difficulty entering Sarawak if he were to lose his ministerial role. The comment was made in the context of the ongoing PKR internal elections, where Rafizi is defending his deputy president position against Nurul Izzah Anwar, daughter of PKR president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Saifuddin, addressing reporters in Kota Kinabalu after the launch of new police battalions in Sabah, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the campaign at hand, rather than engaging in hypotheticals. He reminded party leaders to steer clear of narratives that could open unnecessary dimensions or distractions from the main political discourse.
The Home Minister highlighted that Sarawak, like Sabah, exercises constitutional rights over immigration. These powers allow the state to restrict individuals who are seen as a threat to public order or state security. However, Saifuddin appeared confident that these powers are not being wielded arbitrarily in the current political context, particularly given Sarawak’s key role in ensuring national political stability.
Rafizi’s remarks brought attention to his previous experience with Sarawak’s entry controls. Between 2013 and 2018, under the then-Barisan Nasional-led state government, several opposition figures, including Rafizi, were denied entry into the state. However, the current political landscape has evolved, with Sarawak now positioned as a cooperative component of the Unity Government.
Saifuddin reaffirmed that the government’s relationship with Sarawak remains stable and constructive, adding that such speculation risks undermining that harmony. He encouraged all party leaders to maintain a disciplined and respectful campaign tone, grounded in current realities rather than past grievances or political projections.
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