The Umno Supreme Council member said he totally understood the reason cited by Sarawak Chief Minister Adenan Satem when imposing the travel ban, which was to maintain the religious harmony and peaceful state of affairs Sarawak currently enjoyed.

The Padang Rengas lawmaker urged others to respect the right of the state to do so, pointing out that it was part of the agreement made between Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya when Malaysia was formed in 1963.

“Their way of life is different from ours.

“In fact, their racial unity is really good compared to the peninsular. They don’t harp on differences of opinions and views.

“So I understand why the chief minister banned Peninsular-based DAP members as they are typically chauvinistic and racist.

“They will use racial issues and create religious tension there,” the tourism and culture minister told a press conference in his ministry here today.

Nazri was commenting on the long list of Opposition members who have been denied entry into Sarawak, despite a state election that will be held some time next month.

The latest to be barred from entering is Abdul Malik Abul Kassim of PKR, who was stopped upon arrival at the Kuching airport yesterday.

Two DAP members, Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching and the party’s mascot creator Ooi Leng Hang, were also barred from entry on Friday.

Others who made the list earlier include Nurul Izzah Anwar and R Sivarasa of PKR as well as Mohamad Sabu of Parti Amanah Negara and Tony Pua of DAP.