PBS Calls For Final Settlement Of Sabah Illegal Immigrant Problem

PENAMPANG, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan today called for a final settlement of the illegal immigrant problem in Sabah, literally describing it as a "wound" in the 1Malaysia "body" that has to be "surgically" treated.

He said the problem remained in the minds of the Sabah people although the government had taken various measures to tackle it, including through the implementation of the 5P programme.

"We hope the programme will continue to be implemented and achieve success. There have been reports and interpretations that unless the illegal immigrant problem is resolved properly, it may undermine national security and the people's safety," he said at the opening of the 26th congress of PBS at the KDCA Hall, here.

The congress was opened by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, State Assembly Speaker Datuk Salleh Said Keruak and Barisan Nasional (BN) secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

Pairin, who is a Sabah deputy chief minister, said the PBS supported all the government efforts thus far to overcome the illegal immigrant problem, including the use of the biometric registration system.

He also said that several BN component parties, including the PBS, would like the government to set up a royal commission of inquiry to arrive at a final settlement of the problem.

The PBS seeks to have the commission set up next year, he added.

Pairin said he hoped that other issues, including employment opportunities, power sharing and opportunities for contractors from Sabah, would be looked into as well.

He said these issues should be resolved to ensure that the people continue to support the present government.

Pairin said the PBS fully supported the suggestion by the deputy prime minister for everyone to work hard as a team to ensure a bigger victory for the BN in the next general election.