Not really, it is still up to the mighty Immigration Department, under the Home Ministry. They can decide if a foreigner can enter Malaysia, whether a Malaysian can leave the country, or whether he or she can enter Sabah or Sarawak.
Malaysian passports are much in demand, especially by forgers, because of relatively lesser restrictions on holders entering many countries. The amounts saved on visa fees (compared with other countries' passport holders) could more than pay for the current passport renewal of Rm300 (Rm150 if senior citizen) for 5 years.
But if you are in the habit of criticising the Malaysian government leaders, there are certain restrictions imposed despite what is stated in the passport, like Israel, probably the only country prohibited from visiting. Even that restriction can be relaxed for some who go on a tour, probably under certain conditions.
Critics are often told by pro-establishment people to leave the country if unhappy with the BN leaders and their policies. Now some of them are being told they are not allowed to leave the country on visits ... even if they are unhappy! I am pretty sure, they would be allowed to leave, if they agreed to, for good!
Which is worse: prevented from entering Sabah/Sarawak or prevented from leaving Malaysia?
At one time, certain Malaysians found to their surprise and dismay, when they were not allowed to enter Sabah or Sarawak. Dr Kua Kia Soong, YB Teresa Kok, YB Rafizi Ramli and Dr Wong Chin Huat come to mind.
Lately, Tony Pua found to his shock and anger, that he was not allowed to leave the country for a trip to Indonesia. When another known critic of PM, Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, checked the immigration website, he found that he too is being barred, so are others like: Batu MP Tian Chua, Ex-Bar Council President and ex-Bersih chief Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, Bersih chief Maria Chin Abdullah, activist Hishamuddin Rais, and activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim. They found this out when they checked their travelling status on the immigration website using their MyKad number. They would have to refer to the nearest Immigration office if they wanted to go abroad.
Being involved in 1MDB mess, SRC International managing director and former 1MDB chief investment officer Nik Faisal Kamal Ariff is also one barred from leaving, while others already left the country even though they are supposed to be barred, like Jho Low.
Whistle blowers seem to be considered worse than convicted murderer (pending appeal) like Sirul, who managed to leave for Australia secretly, without any problem. While bankrupts in general are barred from leaving the country, Lester seemed to have no problem getting to UK. Then there is the most famous fugitive, Raja Petra, whose address in UK should not be a problem in finding, but he is obviously singing for the establishment now.
Latest news:
Deputy Home Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has clarified that DAP Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and PKR Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, who are in the Immigration Department’s travel ban list, are free to travel overseas. They are only banned from East Malaysia.
So it is wise to check with the Immigration Department first before booking any flight out of the country, especially when you have been critical of the PM and his wife.
Link
Malaysian passports are much in demand, especially by forgers, because of relatively lesser restrictions on holders entering many countries. The amounts saved on visa fees (compared with other countries' passport holders) could more than pay for the current passport renewal of Rm300 (Rm150 if senior citizen) for 5 years.
But if you are in the habit of criticising the Malaysian government leaders, there are certain restrictions imposed despite what is stated in the passport, like Israel, probably the only country prohibited from visiting. Even that restriction can be relaxed for some who go on a tour, probably under certain conditions.
Critics are often told by pro-establishment people to leave the country if unhappy with the BN leaders and their policies. Now some of them are being told they are not allowed to leave the country on visits ... even if they are unhappy! I am pretty sure, they would be allowed to leave, if they agreed to, for good!
Which is worse: prevented from entering Sabah/Sarawak or prevented from leaving Malaysia?
At one time, certain Malaysians found to their surprise and dismay, when they were not allowed to enter Sabah or Sarawak. Dr Kua Kia Soong, YB Teresa Kok, YB Rafizi Ramli and Dr Wong Chin Huat come to mind.
Lately, Tony Pua found to his shock and anger, that he was not allowed to leave the country for a trip to Indonesia. When another known critic of PM, Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, checked the immigration website, he found that he too is being barred, so are others like: Batu MP Tian Chua, Ex-Bar Council President and ex-Bersih chief Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, Bersih chief Maria Chin Abdullah, activist Hishamuddin Rais, and activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim. They found this out when they checked their travelling status on the immigration website using their MyKad number. They would have to refer to the nearest Immigration office if they wanted to go abroad.
Being involved in 1MDB mess, SRC International managing director and former 1MDB chief investment officer Nik Faisal Kamal Ariff is also one barred from leaving, while others already left the country even though they are supposed to be barred, like Jho Low.
Whistle blowers seem to be considered worse than convicted murderer (pending appeal) like Sirul, who managed to leave for Australia secretly, without any problem. While bankrupts in general are barred from leaving the country, Lester seemed to have no problem getting to UK. Then there is the most famous fugitive, Raja Petra, whose address in UK should not be a problem in finding, but he is obviously singing for the establishment now.
Latest news:
Deputy Home Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has clarified that DAP Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and PKR Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, who are in the Immigration Department’s travel ban list, are free to travel overseas. They are only banned from East Malaysia.
So it is wise to check with the Immigration Department first before booking any flight out of the country, especially when you have been critical of the PM and his wife.
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