Illegals issue becoming more complex: Pairin
Monday, 26 April 2006 (Source: Daily Express)

KOTA KINABALU: PBS appealed to the relevant Federal authorities to find a comprehensive solution to the illegal immigrant issue to ensure aspirations under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) can be achieved.

Its President Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan said Malaysians in Sabah placed high hopes in the dissemination of economic development under the 9MP.

"There are signs that these aspirations are being realised and we are also aware that the Federal and State governments have been making efforts towards the development of the State in terms of the economy, providing social amenities and empowering the mind of the people," he said.

"However, there a lot still needs to be done," he said.

"If we have the aspiration to progress in terms of education and economy we must be living in a peaceful and prosperous environment," he said.

Pairin who is a Deputy Chief Minister said the illegal immigrant issue was bringing more complex problems by the day, requiring a lot of efforts to think about the security, crimes, phantom voters, fake MyKads and fake IMM13, among others.

PBS itself, he said, had been fighting for the solution to illegal immigrants-related problems since its inception in 1985.

Pairin who is also Rural Development Minister believed the main challenge of the 9MP is the delivery system, that is how to enhance efficiency and effectiveness as well as transparency of the public service machinery in implementing the planned development programmes.

As leaders who are holding the trust of the people, he said they must place the people's interest as their main priority.

"We must create programmes that bring common good. We must be united and cooperate to bring development in our own places," he said.

On the oil price hike, he said it was a bit worrying but "we have to look at the events that leads to the increase, which is inevitable".

He hoped party leaders from all levels would utilise the knowledge gained from the briefing, especially in planning for the developments in their various areas.

Among those at the briefing were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili, Deputy President Datuk Pengiran AK Aliuddin, secretary-general Datuk Radin Malleh, PBS assemblymen, divisional chiefs and Wanita and Pemuda movement leaders.

The 9MP briefing was conducted by the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department Deputy Director-General, Dr Noriyah Ahmad. Jan. 1, 2006.