Activists demand explanation on identity of Sabah MIC chief

KOTA KINABALU – Activists in Sabah are questioning the identity of Sabah MIC chief Peer Mohamad Kadir, who allegedly shares the same name as an individual from India entering the state in 1984 as well as claims that he illegally obtained a Malaysian identity card.

Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation president Daniel John Jambun, and Gindol Initiative for Civil Society Borneo chairman Kanul Gindol in a joint statement today claimed that the ruling Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition appointed the MIC man as a board member in the Sawit Kinabalu – a state-linked company. 

“Is this the same person? We ask the leaders of GRS for an explanation. Back then, the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president (Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili) would slam cases involving foreigners getting Malaysian citizenship through fraudulent means, but today, PBS and Sabah Star’s leaders are rewarding this individual, if it is the same individual,” they said. 

In 2013, the media had reported that an India-born assistant cook here told the royal commission of inquiry (RCI) that he obtained his identity card within six years of arriving in Sabah in 1984. 

Daily Express reported that the individual named Peer Mohamad Kadir, who said he was born in Chennai, India, obtained his Malaysian citizenship in 1989 with the help of his uncle while he paid RM20 for stamp duty.

“We opine that the GRS leaders must put a stop to the speculations if they are not true. GRS must explain the matter to avoid confusion. 

“We received a report that someone will lodge a police report about this. The Sabah MIC chief must step forward and explain himself, whether he is the person dubbed the 116th witness in the RCI in 2013,” they said. 

The activists also questioned GRS’ efforts in solving the undocumented migrant’s issue in Sabah.

“Until there is a solution to RCI’s recommendations, we have the right to continue to speak up for the rakyat about our concerns over this matter.”

The Vibes contacted the Sabah MIC man, but he has refused to comment on the matter. – The Vibes, January 15, 2022