KOTA KINABALU – The proposal to create a bipartisan select committee in the Sabah assembly to tackle the issue of migrants would be brought to the state cabinet, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor.
He welcomed the proposal by Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) as a follow-up to that of Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, who is also the chairman of the special state cabinet committee on undocumented foreign workers and migrants.
He said migrants are a problem inherited from the past in the state, and so a comprehensive solution should be implemented for the state’s long-term interest.
“I will bring the matter for the state cabinet’s consideration. Nonetheless, the precondition is that all should be honest and sincere in seeking a quick solution to the legacy and the long-term interest of the state.
“At the same time, we need to cooperate with the federal government to handle current pressing issues involving the people’s livelihoods,” he said when opening the 37th annual general assembly of PBS.
Earlier, PBS president Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili in his welcome speech proposed to the Sabah government to set up a committee to resolve the problem of migrants, which has plagued the state for so long.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is an important political alignment as a local formula to create togetherness among Sabahans.
“The grassroots want us to be united under a local platform to boost the struggle to defend the rights and interests of Sabahans on the local and national political stages,” he said.
GRS comprises Bersatu Sabah, PBS, STAR, SAPP, and Usno, which cooperates with Barisan Nasional in administering the state. – Bernama, July 1, 2022
