KUCHING: The Sarawak government is willing to consider extending the stay of DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali in the state.
In a statement from the Chief Minister’s office, press secretary Ambrose Cheng said that the issue would be considered upon receipt of a formal request.
“The Chief Minister of Sarawak has received reports that the Menteri Besar of Selangor and the Chief Minister of Penang requested that they be allowed to extend their stay in Sarawak during this election,” read the statement.
“Datuk Patinggi Adenan has in the past considered on a case-by-case basis extending the stay of non-Sarawakians and he is willing to consider extending both the Chief Minister of Penang and Menteri Besar of Selangor's stay here upon receiving their formal request,” it added.
Azmin has to leave Sarawak by May 2. He was granted a three-day stay by the state’s immigration department.
It was reported that Guan Eng too will have to leave the state before polling day. Guan Eng is allowed to stay until May 5.
Malaysians from the peninsula are usually granted a social pass for 90 days by the state immigration department.
Several opposition leaders have been barred from entering the state.
The list includes Amanah president Mohamad Sabu, PKR vice-presidents Rafizi Ramli and Nurul Izzah Anwar as well as DAP lawmakers Hannah Yeoh and Gobind Singh Deo.