Sabahans in KL: Pairin wants detailed probe

KOTA KINABALU, Mar 5 (The Borneo Post) -- Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan has called for proper information gathered on stranded Sabahan youths going job hunting in the peninsula.He said the truth of the whole thing had to be uncovered because there appeared to be reports that stated that these youths preferred staying on even though they could easily had returned when they failed to land any job or even place to stay.

“Of course we are sad that these youths are in such situation but we have to get to the bottom of this matter because one report says there was a guy who preferred to stay back even though he had to get food from a charitable organisation.

“We have to establish this because he might just be an isolated case of a person suffering from some psychological problem, which if true, must be treated,” Pairin said when asked to comment on newspaper reports of Sabahan youths including the KadazanDusun Murut (KDM) stranded in Peninsular Malaysia without jobs or a roof over their heads.

Pairin, who is also Infrastructure Development Minister, said this when met after officiating at a Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) seminar on ‘Investment opportunities in knowledge-intensive industries’ here yesterday.

“Then there is another published story of a youth whose parents thought he was already dead because they lost contact with him. There must be some filial relationship whereby a son should find it natural to inform his parents of his whereabouts. This is certainly one case that deserves to be looked into for the truth,” Pairin, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president, said.

Pairin also denied claims by some youths that there were no employment opportunities for them in Sabah.

“There are jobs but if these youths are too choosy then that will create problem. We have to talk to them and hear their side of the story and their opinions on the job situation,” he said.

Asked if the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) was involved in any studies pertaining to the issue, Pairin, who is the association’s president, said: “Of course they (KDCA) cannot be the body to solve everything but it will do what it can and has, in fact, helped some of them including sending some home to Sabah, but without any publicity.”

He added that all quarters, including the state and federal governments, had their part to play in finding a solution.

Asked what his advice to the youths, Pairin said: “Don’t be attracted to the bright lights of KL or give in to your adventurous spirit. You must be practical, you must take into account your parents here, the opportunities available here and must have personal dignity in whatever you do.”