Hassnar praised; PBS also seeks attention of AG

KOTA KINABALU, January 10 (Daily Express) -- PARTI Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said the alleged Project IC issue raised by former ISA detainee Hassnar Ebrahim merits serious attention not only from the police but also the Attorney-General.

"I think the police and Attorney-General should view this seriously since the issue raised is really serious," he said in an immediate reaction to the allegation by Hassnar on the issuance of ICs in the State.

"As we are aware, many of the leaders are giving special attention to the so-called Project IC to the extent the Government has been requested to conduct an in depth investigation on this," he said.

Towards this end, he commended Hassnar's willingness to reveal information on the rampant issuance of ICs to foreigners in Sabah, including the role that he played in several thousand getting these documents.

"PBS is proud of Hassnar's willingness. It seems he is really ready and serious to divulge the information in court," he said when asked for comments. Pairin who is also Deputy Chief Minister urged Hassnar to come forward and cooperate with the police by giving formal statements over the allegation.

At the same time, he said the police should accept Hassnar's offer as "both sides have to meet and work together to exchange opinions in the interest of the public".

"In this context, Hassnar should accept the call by the police to have his statement recorded although it has been stated that the police can launch an investigation based on news reports and facts from books," he said.

However, the police have to adhere to certain procedures and among them is to record statements in order to facilitate further and smoother investigations, he said.

Hassnar has challenged the relevant authorities to take him to court over the alleged Project IC issue. Hassnar had in the Daily Express on Saturday openly admitted he was initially involved with several others in "unwittingly helping thousands of foreigners obtain Malaysian ICs".

He was also quoted stating that he had on several occasions turned down requests from the police to have his statement recorded as it was unnecessary since all the facts were already published in a book entitled Projek IC by Mutalib M.D, which could be the basis of investigations.

Towards this end, Pairin said as an alternative the police could authorise officers to see Hassnar personally at his residence and record his statement.

On Hassnar's readiness to be arrested and charged in court, he said: "I believe the police know what to do but the bottom line is this issue cannot be left just like that.

"We also saw during the Likas election petition trial (that) Hassnar had also provided detailed testimony on this. So, I think this must be investigated by all the relevant authorities." To another question, Pairin said the issue has always been a political one because at the same time it is in everybody's interest since it involved the nation's security and sovereignty.

"Furthermore, it is not a new issue but quite an outstanding one."