SABAH Star president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has renewed his call for a dedicated Sabah identification card (Sabah IC), arguing it is a more effective solution to the state’s documentation challenges than re-registering Sabahans for MyKad.
“Undocumented individuals with unverified papers continue to undermine Sabah’s security and governance,” Jeffrey said, adding that studies consistently show how these undocumented individuals strain access to resources and services.
He questioned the effectiveness of former chief minister Datuk Seri Salleh Keruak’s proposal to re-register MyKad, although he acknowledged it could offer some relief.
“If re-registration alone could solve these issues, it would have done so years ago,” Jeffrey pointed out, emphasising that a Sabah IC would provide a more tailored and practical solution.
He explained that the Sabah IC would include stringent security features to prevent forgery, enabling authorities to clearly identify genuine Sabahans and differentiate them from those with dubious documentation.
The Sabah IC, Jeffrey added, would ensure locals gain better access to state-specific resources, secure employment opportunities, and educational benefits that have been diluted by fraudulent claims.
“Star is committed to working with all stakeholders to develop a system that genuinely serves Sabahans, setting a new standard for governance and community trust,” he said.
According to Jeffrey, the Sabah IC is the most viable and efficient way to address Sabah’s longstanding documentation issues.
For decades, Sabah grappled with widespread documentation issues, notably the prevalence of fraudulent MyKad holders, which undermines state security and strains public resources.
As of 2020, Sabah recorded 136,055 individuals holding various government-issued documents: 51,645 with IMM13 permits, 47,518 with Census Certificates, and 39,892 with Kad Burung-Burung.
These documents were initially issued to refugees and migrants, but over time, concerns have arisen regarding their validity and the potential for misuse. The presence of these document holders has significant implications for Sabah's security, governance, and resource allocation. - November 16, 2024
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