Kota Kinabalu, Wed.- Tandek Assemblyman Dr Maximus Ongkili today called for the setting up of an All Parties Committee on Illegal Immigration in the State Legislative Assembly to identify and formulate permanent solutions to problems pertaining to illegal immigrants, refugees and fake identity cards.

He said the problems caused by illegal immigrants have reached magnitude proportions transcending the economic, political, social and cultural landscapes of the state thereby presenting an opportunity for all political parties to cooperate and work together for the sake of Sabah.

"The illegal immigrants problem has been with us for too long. A lot of proposed solutions have been generated by successive governments, elected leaders and political parties including PBS but the problem has continued to worsen," he claimed.

Ongkili who is also PBS deputy president said the problem was now in its second generation where the state has to deal with children of illegals in schools, hospitals and the entire social system.

"It is time to do something concrete together, set aside political differences and jointly formulate permanent solutions to the problem.

"The best avenue for joint cooperative action is to set up an All Parties Committee in the Legislative Assembly to identify and formulate action plans for eventual adoption by the House. These proposals can then be submitted officially for implementation by the State and Federal governments," he suggested.

Ongkili added that all political parties that have elected representatives in the House must be included in the Committee, adding that a one-year period could be given to the Committee to complete its task.

He urged all political parties to support the proposal which he plans to raise formally in the Assembly during the sitting on 15-16 May.