KOTA KINABALU – Former Sabah deputy chief minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan broke his silence on Sabah affairs today, criticising Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin’s proposal to provide identity cards for illegal migrants in Sabah.
Speaking in a statement, the Parti Bersatu Sabah honorary president pointed out that it was important for the government and the country to reduce misunderstanding and misinformation at a time when pandemic is still wreaking havoc.
Referring to Hamzah’s statement, Pairin said the announcement is not resolving anything and only creating more problems.
“What the minister has announced and advocates has not only created fear and uncertainty in Sabah, but he seems to be deliberately going against the spirit of our constitution and our immigration laws, but it goes against common sense and, particularly the interest of genuine and law-abiding Malaysian citizens.”
The former Tambunan assemblyman said that he was aware that illegal immigrants are trying hard to enter Malaysia, especially Sabah, and also noted the work of our security forces in trying to prevent their entries and detain them in the temporary detention centres.
Keeping it simple, the retired politician said those busted without any valid legal documentation must be deported.
“What we need now is strict enforcement of our immigration and other laws, just like the authorities are very strict in enforcing our Covid-19 rules and regulations.
“The announcement on the Kad Warga Asing serves only to confuse people, especially in Sabah,” he said.
Pairin said the government should emphasise the immigration laws which means no people can enter or be present in this country without valid immigration papers, especially valid passports.
He also expressed his happiness at the current Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor’s clarification that no decisions regarding Kad Warga Asing have been made and that discussions must be held at the committee level before heading into the cabinet.
“Please enforce our laws properly and strictly. Do not give the impression that we are abandoning our own citizens. The citizens are our responsibility and not to non-citizens. Let us truly show we love our Keluarga Malaysia, not otherwise,” he said. – The Vibes, February 12, 2022
