KOTA KINABALU: Upko Youth has lambasted the willingness of parties in Perikatan Nasional (PN) Government namely PBS, Star, Umno, PPBM to accept the Home Ministry’s idea of turning the IMM13 document into standard documentation to regulate illegal immigrants and stateless people in Sabah.
The movement chief, Felix Joseph Saang said it was still fresh in the minds of the people just how vociferous were Datuk Dr Jeffery Kitingan, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili and several others in urging all illegals should just be deported back ‘hantar balik sahaja’ to their home countries.
“They have been adamant in objecting to whatever suggestions put forward by the State Government of Warisan, Upko and Pakatan Harapan.
“They have even rejected an invitation from Upko to talk and discuss it. They prefer to continue making the illegal immigrant issue as a tool to gain political mileage,” he said.
“Now, after sharing beds in PN government led by Umno, Pas and a few pro-Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin PBBM leaders, in just a blink of an eye they have changed their stand and agree that the illegals be given IMM13.
“Such U-turn is utterly shocking!”
Felix said according to Deputy Home Minister Jonathan Yassin the IMM13 document was not recognised by the Philippines government.
“So, how will giving IMM13 to the illegal immigrants from Philippines solve our problem?
“What about other immigrants like the Indonesians or Pakistanis? How does the PN government plans to resolve this matter or will they be issued with similar documentation?” he asked.
“Is there any assurance on the validity of all these Kad Burung-Burung, Census Certificates and IMM13 holders? Based on past experience, we know documents such as the IMM13 can be forged.
“Can the PN government guarantees this will not happen?” he asked.
At the same time, Felix said a lot of questions beckoned particularly the security features of the IMM13 among other things.
“Is there an expiry date on the IMM13 document? Will the holders become citizens of Malaysia?
“What are the methods being used to identify all IMM13 holders who have been in Sabah for decades. What about their children and grandchildren or those already intermarried with locals?”
Felix also questioned the refusal of the PN government to discuss the issues with the Sabah State government.
“Star planned to hold a forum to discuss the matter, is it not? Are Sabah leaders in this PN government not allowed to give their views or make a decision and reduced to being mere ‘yes men’ leaders?” he asked.
Towards this end, Felix said the Home Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin’s recommendation to give the IMM13 clearly showed that immigrants issue is under the Federal government’s jurisdictions.
“The Sabah State government has no power over the matter. It must be reminded that the Sabah Temporary Pass or PSS was in fact announced by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin when he was Home Minister in the previous government.
Felix stressed that recommendations in the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrants in Sabah Report must be taken into consideration before any decision is made.
“Don’t the Sabah leaders in the PN government have any interest at all to look at the RCI report?” he asked.
According to him, the decision was not for the Home Minister and PN government to make alone since it involved a matter that is critical to Sabah.
“The people of Sabah have the right to know and also give their views on the proposal,” he said.
“The proposal to make the IMM13 as a standard document is so vague and has so many loopholes that can be exploited.
“There are so many questions needing answers because it is worrying the people of Sabah,” he said.-http://beritasabah.com
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