Japan Officials Reject Anwar Ibrahim

Japanese Immigration Authority has prohibited Malaysian Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim from entering the country on Monday, January 20, 2014. Anwar, who had just arrived at the Narita International Airport, Tokyo, at 6:45 am local time, was asked to leave Japan immediately on the next flight out. 

"I was denied entry by the Japanese Immigration Authority and was asked to go back to Malaysia on the first flight out or risk deportation," said Anwar.

According to Japanese immigration officials, Anwar was denied entry due to a sexual harassment case in 1999. However, Anwar explained to them that he was able to enter Malaysia without problems in 2006, 2009, and 2012.

"The Japanese authorities then admitted that they must take action in prohibiting me from entering due to the latest report, probably last year," said Anwar.

Anwar's presence in Japan was to fulfill a personal invitation by the Head of the Nippon Foundation, Yohei Sasakawa. Anwar was scheduled to explain problems regarding Muslim Democrats.

Source : Tempo