KUCHING: Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Woman chief Kho Teck Wan acknowledged that Malaysia is a Muslim country and respect its immigration right.
However, she said Sarawak has its own immigration autonomy, and is proud of the social harmony and acceptance of others, which should be beyond politics and religion and let the true spirit of sports prevail.
Kho was responding to Malaysia’s decision to impose a blanket ban on all Israeli athletes from participating in the upcoming World Para Swimming Championship.
She added that Sarawak as an equal partner to Malaysia has immigration autonomy through Annex E of the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
Therefore, Kho urged the state government to assert its immigration right to allow Israeli swimmers to participate in the championship which will be held here from July 29 to August 4.
“The International Paralympic Committee was quoted by AFP as being disappointed at Malaysia’s federal government’s decision to ban the athletes from enterting the country. The UK Labour Party’s leaders at their House of Common had called on the British Government to oppose Malaysia’s decision and suggested that the championship venue be relocated. With the current development, it may cause Sarawak to lose its host position.
“By allowing the athletes to enter Sarawak, the state will be perceived as a land that is friendly towards the international community. Since 2019 is also ‘Visit Sarawak Year’, the move will certainly help promote Sarawak’s tourism industry,” she added.
She also urged fellow Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) leaders and comrades to look beyond politics and religion regarding the matter.
“Let’s welcome all athletes to Sarawak and uphold the spirit of true Olympics which aims to promote mutual understanding, friendship, solidarity and fair play.”
