KOTA KINABALU – Another war of words has erupted between Warisan and the government, with the lead opposition party lodging a report over Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan’s comments on the Sabah Temporary Pass (PSS).
Jeffrey was quoted as saying that the PSS mooted during the Warisan administration was meant to grant citizenship to undocumented migrants in the state.
Warisan’s police report said Jeffrey’s statement can mean that then home minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin could be involved in the “plot” to grant citizenship to undocumented migrants.
The party was represented by treasurer-general Terrence Siambun and supreme council member Datuk Honorsius Alfred Bosiun when lodging the report in Penampang police station this morning.
Warisan in a statement today questioned Jeffrey’s statement when Muhyiddin at the time had already affirmed that undocumented migrants will not be granted citizenship through PSS.
“Now that Jeffrey and Muhyiddin are together in Perikatan Nasional, did Jeffrey conceal the possible intention by Muhyiddin to dupe Sabahans about PSS?”
It said granting of citizenship is under the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry or the federal government, and not the state government.
“In 2019, Muhyddin who was home minister at the time announced PSS and it was to be managed by the Home Ministry. Warisan (state government at the time) was never involved in any discussions on PSS.”
As such, the police report was lodged so that an investigation could start on a possible criminal element from Jeffrey’s statement that could mean Muhyiddin could have planned to issue citizenship to undocumented migrants in Sabah in 2019.
“Subsequent to this report, Warisan will now be taking legal action on anyone who accuses the party of attempting to grant the migrants citizenship through PSS.
“This way, accusers will have the chance to prove their allegations in the court of law.” – The Vibes, February 13, 2022
