Works minister backs Sarawak activists’, NGOs’ stand against accepting Palestinian refugees entering State

Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi (file photo)

KUCHING, Nov 13: Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stresses that Sarawak does not need to accept any refugees, particularly those from countries known for violence, anger, and hatred.

Nanta wholeheartedly supports the stance of Sarawak Association for Peoples’ Aspiration (Sapa) publicity and information chief Peter John Jaban and several other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in their caution to the Sarawak government about the possibility of Palestinian refugees entering Sarawak.

“We must be very careful so as to maintain and nurture our peaceful State where the people are now happily living in perfect harmony.

“We do not need any element that can sow negativity, divisiveness, and hatred among Sarawakians eventually.

“Prevention is better than cure. We do not want to have regret in the future,” he said in a statement in response to media’s request.

He went on to say that Sarawak should and must prioritise socioeconomic development for the benefit of its people.

“We are just a small country, we cannot be burdened by refugees. We still have many poor people of our own who need our full attention and care.”

On the other hand, Nanta who is Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Berstau (PBB) secretary general calls on those who can afford to contribute financially to help the war victims who are suffering by buying essential supplies for them.

“That would be more meaningful and safer for Sarawak. I have contributed some funds for the purpose.

“I want to plead to Sarwakians to contribute to the Tabung for the Palestinians who are suffering from the war.

“Let’s help the victims in the best and safest way that we can,” he said.

According to Free Malaysia Today (FMT), several activists and NGO leaders expressed concern in a statement yesterday that dangerous people could enter the country if Sarawak and Sabah fail to exercise autonomy over their borders.

Peter John reportedly held that the Sarawak government should maintain the autonomy of its immigration control, despite Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s continued support for Hamas, which is widely regarded as a militant organisation.

Peter John also speculated that Anwar’s continued support for Hamas ‘suggests there will be little attempt to properly vet asylum seekers from Palestine,’ which the former said carried the risk of entry by radicalised and violent factions. — DayakDaily