HK pan-democrat legislator banned entry to MSAR

Hong Kong pan-democrat legislator, Kenneth Leung, was refused entry to the Macau SAR on Sunday, according to South China Morning Post (SCMP). Local immigration officers claimed Leung was barred on the grounds of being considered a ‘threat to the city’s internal security’.
Unconvinced by the reasons provided for his denied entry, the legislator, who had never been refused entry to Macau previously, has requested further explanations from the Macau authorities. He further claimed that he would pledge to raise the case with Hong Kong’s Security Bureau.
“This is utterly strange and totally beyond comprehension. I have done nothing related to Macau recently,” Leung, whose last visit to Macau took place in April 2016, is quoted as saying by SCMP.
In addition, the pan-democrat explained to the Hong Kong media outlet that he was more surprised by the Macau authorities’ reaction given that he had no problem entering China on a trip to Foshan in Guangdong last month.
“There is definitely a blacklist of pan-democrats in Macau … I do not understand why I would be turned away from Macau when I could actually enter the mainland,” Leung commented.
Macau officials were unable to be reached yesterday to reply to Business Daily’s enquiries about the case.
Leung, who had travelled to the city with his family for a holiday break, was barred from entering when he reached the border checkpoint at the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal. He was detained for about an hour before authorities sent him and his family back to Hong Kong on a ferry, news agency Lusa reported.
In a conference held by the Office of the Secretary for Security in late February, immigration officials claimed they would not disclose information on any cases related to entry refusal, such as the country of origin of those who are barred, or the reasons why the local security forces would block someone trying to come to Macau.
Wong Sio Chak, the Secretary for Security, argued at that time that the police have the authority to decide who they evaluate as being a security risk, based on their own discretion.