KOTA KINABALU – The Barisan Nasional (BN) component party giving out Malaysian identity cards is threatening Malaysia’s sovereignty, said PBS president Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili.
“Of course, it is very clear. It is an abuse of Sabah rights, absolutely.”
Ongkili, midway through his party’s congress, claimed that a BN party had given identity cards to undocumented migrants in exchange for votes.
The Kota Marudu MP did not disclose the name of the party, but it was identified in the royal commission of inquiry (RCI) on migrants in Sabah.
Ongkili said this in part of his response to Sabah opposition lawmaker Datuk Darell Leiking, who dared him to expose the party.
His comments come ahead of a Sabah BN convention to be held tomorrow morning.
BN’s top national leaders are expected to attend the function.
“I said it on stage, I don’t want to accuse any party. I just simply raised the matter again as it was reported in the RCI and the meeting, and based on the testimonies given in the RCI report.
“I don't want to accuse (anyone). Look at the RCI report. Of course, our Penampang MP (Darell) challenged me to name the party, but in reality he also knew (which party it was).
“If he (Leiking) wants to know which party it is, go read the RCI,” said Ongkili, adding that the party was revealed by an RCI witness named Siti Jamilah.
Ongkili also agreed that action should be taken against the political group, saying PBS had lodged numerous police reports on the matter over the years.
“Our police and military are working hard to protect our borders and arrest the migrants, but even so, they still continue to exist in Sabah.
“This is why I called the illegal immigrant problem akin to ‘hantu bangkit’ (returning ghosts),” he said, adding that the present government could resolve this issue.
Towards this end, Ongkili said this was why PBS proposed the formation of a special select committee at the state level to look into the issue. – The Vibes, July 1, 2022
