Need to address IMM13 issue, have standard policy: PBS
Sunday, 05 February 2006 (Source: Daily Express)

KOTA KINABALU: PBS expressed relief over the State Security Committee's decision to carry out another operation to flush out illegal immigrants from the State.

However, the party said any measure would be successful only if there is a standard policy on the part of both State and Federal on the issue as well as withdrawing the IMM13 documents issued to these so-called refugees with immediate effect.

PBS Sec-Gen Datuk Radin Malleh said PBS fully supported the Chief Minister on the Government's plan following the announcement and that Cash (Consumer Association of Sabah and Labuan) need not go ahead with its signature campaign to call for the setting up of a Royal Commission of Enquiry.

"There's no need for a signature drive since the Government is already pursuing the issue," Radin said, Saturday.

Datuk Seri Musa Aman had said after chairing the State Security Committee meeting on Friday that a major integrated operation is on the cards to rid the State of illegals estimated at about 100,000.

Radin, who is also Melalap Assemblyman, said the public, particularly community leaders, village heads, JKKK chairmen, Kapitans and even government servants apart from NGOs must give their cooperation by furnishing information to the authorities.

"They must report on the presence of illegals in their respective areas," he said, adding the authorities must then reciprocate by taking action.

Radin, an Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, said this included invoking the provisions under the National Registration Act on those found possessing ICs and MyKads obtained illegally.

PBS Supreme Council member Johnny Mositun said the Government should resolve the issue of the so-called refugees or IMM13 holders in Sabah.

"The increasing numbers of immigrants in the State can be tracked down to these refugees inviting their families and relatives into the State after getting the IMM13 document," he said.

Mositun who is also PBS Pantai Manis chief said while immigrants holding fake IMM13 documents can be arrested it would not solve the problem.

"What we need is a solution and standard policy that is agreed to by both State and Federal."