KUALA LUMPUR: The Advocates Association of Sarawak is concerned over the existing entry ban imposed on Suhakam commissioner Jannie Lasimbang, said its president Khairil Azmi Mohamad Hasbie. "The association is made to understand the ban was imposed following her entry into Sarawak on a Penan fact-finding mission from 1994-1995," he said, noting that it was done before her appointment as a commissioner. "However, in light of her recent appointment as a Suhakam commissioner, the association calls on the state government to lift the entry ban to enable her to carry out her duties as a Suhakam commissioner," he said in a statement Monday. The Star had reported Monday that the association delegates had resolved at its annual conference on Saturday that a press statement should be issued calling for the lifting of the ban in light of Jannie's new position. Khairil Azmi said they acknowledged and supported the right of the state government of Sarawak under the Federal Constitution, in appropiate cases, to restrict entry by a non-citizen of the state. "(But) Ms Lasimbang has been tasked by Suhakam with the responsibility of collecting information to support Suhakam's first ever national inquiry into the rights of the indigenous peoples. "Her mission to Sarawak comes at a crucial time when allegations of native land rights violations and sexual abuse of Penan women and children, among other issues, continue to receive intense national and international media coverage. "The association shares the same concerns expressed by all interested parties that the real situation on the ground be properly looked into," he added.