Objections are valid: Pairin
Sunday, 12 March 2006 (Source: Daily Express)

PENAMPANG: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan feels it is worth considering objections to the relocation of Sri Tanjung squatters to Kampung Maang.

"Obviously there are a number of things to be looked at and I'm here to get the feedback from the people so that I can bring back to the Chief Minister and Cabinet," he said, when met after visiting the site in question, Saturday.

Among them, he said, was that the proposed site is on a hill and the kampung folks had talked about gravity water, which might involve a water catchment area.

Pairin was also told that the site had previously been identified for low cost housing but had to be abandoned due to landslide problems.

"There is also such a thing about letting the people know (before you do something)," he said, adding that his visit was more out of curiosity and wanting to get a clearer picture on the issue.

Perhaps the most pertinent issue raised by the people is the citizenship status of the so-called local squatters from Sri Tanjung at Petagas.

He said while there could be preconceived and prejudicial perceptions among the people on this, the fact is that it cannot be ignored and must be investigated by the relevant authorities.

Pairin, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) President said the State and Federal governments had been consistent in addressing the illegal immigrant problem.

However, there have been cases of foreigners found in possession of ICs, which are false or obtained through trickery.

"We can understand the people's feelings about illegal immigrants especially those who managed to get MyKads illegally or out of trickery. We had quite a number of cases such as some even trying to join the army using fake Ics.

"There was also a case where a lorry driver involved in an accident in the peninsula was holding the IC of a person in Sabah," he said.

Pairin said it was important for the authorities to "honestly and sincerely" look into this and find solutions.

"The Prime Minister had said that we tell the truth," he reminded.

In the meantime, Pairin advised the people in Kampung Maang not to get worked up but, instead, keep their cool.

"They need to voice their concern through the correct channelªut they must not be tense. Let the authorities look into it. We will see a solution that will be accepted by all," he said.

Earlier, the kampung folk had told Pairin that they had been applying for some part of the land but had never got an answer.

Another suggestion was that the Government consider relocating the squatters to another area near the power plant in Tanjung Aru.

Meanwhile, PBS Moyog wants the said land be reserved for future use as the district is fast developing in terms of population and physical developments.

"If my memory does not fail me, few years ago after the La Nina flood (1999) the Government had planned to relocate those living in the flood prone areas as well as those staying on the riparian reserve to a safer place," said its chief, John Chryso Masabal.

The Government had even carried out a census and survey on this and Kampung Maang was mentioned as the relocation site.

"There are also many landless people in Penampang who have built houses on road reserves. Plan this site for these deserving people rather than giving it to those who are not known to us in terms of background," he said.

Masabal said there were rumours that a census conducted recently by the local authority on these residents found out that above 50 per cent are foreigners.

"If it is true as claimed by the local Assemblyman that most of the residents are local pensioners then where are they from? How many of them? Are all the over 3,000 living there local pensioners?" he asked.

Towards this end, he suggested that the Government look for an another alternative site for the local squatters and give them decent housing with basic facilities.

"As for those who have no documents or, even with documents but through dubious means, send them back."

Also in attendance at the site was Parti Keadilan Rakyat Kapayan/Moyog division chief Datu Sebastian Datu Panglima Banting who urged the Government to give priority to the locals in this issue.

On the assurance of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman that the Government would consider only genuine citizens in the relocation, he said: "In politics you can say anything. If sufficient facilities are given to the local people then we would not be querying. But this is otherwise."

The divisional vice chairman, Joe Sulaiman, also urged all KDMs in Sabah regardless of which party they belonged, to rally behind the people of Kampung Maang, which is the heartland of the KDM, in rejecting the proposed relocation of the Sri Tanjung squatters there.

Also on hand were Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Edward Yong, PBS Supreme Council member Dr Chong Eng Leong and district traffic and public order chief, Chief Insp. Kee Hang Kee.