'Special panel should probe forging of Native Cert'

KOTA KINABALU, November 21 (Daily Express) -- A SPECIAL committee should investigate the forging of Native Certificate and take stern action against those involved.

Inanam Assemblyman, Johnny Goh said there are people with doubtful native status but who hold the certificate.

He said the matter highlighted by the local media recently showed there exists a conspiracy to forge the certificate that could jeopardise the rights and interests of bumiputeras in Sabah.

According to sources, during the 1960s and 1970s, many foreigners including those not Sino-Kadazandusun or Sino-Murut, among others, managed to acquire the certificate through dubious means.

"If true, I suggest that the relevant authority check thoroughly the identity of the holders of the Native Certificates issued during the period," he said.

This is to ensure only genuine certificate holders are allowed to possess the document. While freezing its issuance has relevance to bumiputera rights and interest, he said 25 years is a long time for the Government to come up with a strategy to prevent abuse of the Native Certificate.

"A special committee should be formed to fine tune before the certificate is issued again."