KOTA KINABALU – A preliminary report on undocumented migrants in Sabah will be presented to the state cabinet next month, with proposed solutions to the perennial issue, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan said today.
Jeffrey, who heads a special committee on undocumented migrants, said they have engaged with stakeholders in the government and industry, and that the report is “about 60% complete”.
“Over the next few weeks, we will canvas opinions from all political parties, including the opposition, to ensure that this report is accurate, balanced and inclusive,” he said in a statement here today.
Jeffrey, who is also the Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku president, said the final solution to the problem should come from Sabahans and local leaders, rather than the federal government.
“In part, the federal government was to blame for the crisis in the first place and I am convinced that their proposal to issue identity cards to illegal immigrants and foreigners will exacerbate rather than alleviate the problem,” he said.
“They are oblivious to the consequences of our demographic being drastically altered because of the influx of illegal immigrants.
“Since then, whatever the federal government proposes, will always be perceived with suspicion and distrust by Sabahans.”
Jeffrey said once the report is accepted and approved by the cabinet, the Sabah government will present its proposal to the federal government.
“For years, the issue of illegal immigrants has been the mother of all problems in Sabah, and it has been heavily politicised,” he said.
“We need to address it or else we will never be able to move forward because this issue will always be a hindrance to our development as a nation.” – The Vibes, April 14, 2022
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