Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) criticised the action taken by the Sabah Chief Minister's Office in denying the entry of Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar into Sabah.

In a statement PKR Communication director, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the autocratic action portrayed that democracy was dying under Barisan Nasional's administration.

“This is not the first time and we urge Sabah Chief Minister's Office to give further explanation about the action taken. ” he said.

PKR also insisted that Sabah Chief Minister Office release the names on the “persona-non-grata” list and the reason behind it.

Nurul Izzah was detained and denied entry by the Sabah Immigation officers at 7pm after arriving at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport for the Tadau Kaamatan Festival in Penampang.

She was deported back without any explanation as to why she was barred from entering Sabah.

Nurul Izzah, on her Twitter account stated that she was ordered by the Sabah Chief Minister office to return to Peninsular.


("I have been detained by Sabah Immigration and instructed to return by the Sabah Chief Minister Office. This is the fate of democracy post GE13")

When contacted, the Nurul Izzah said she tried to obtain an explanation but the authorities claimed that it was classified.

“I asked why I was denied entry into Sabah but they (Immigration) said it was classified and it was an instruction from the Chief Minister’s office.

“This is the first time such an incident happened to me,” adding that she was scheduled to return tonight.

She stated the reason for her visit was to attend the Kaamatan Festival.

It is learnt this was the first visit by the Lembah Pantai member of Parlimanet after recent general election.

Nurul Izzah defeated Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate, Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin in 13th General Election.