THE Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) State Government is determined to solve the long-standing illegal immigrant issue, one of its promises in the 16th State General Election (PRN).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor said as a responsible government, it will always be guided by the interest of the people and state in its decision-making.
The GRS State Government also holds steadfast to the principle of transparency in finding a solution to the issue and ensure that all get accurate information on the matter.
On the Kad Warga Asing (Foreigner Card) announced by the Home Minister, Hajiji said it is merely a recommendation by the Technical Committee that will be further deliberated by the State Government before a decision is made.
“The Main Management Committee on Foreigners in Sabah (JKPWAS-Induk) was established following the RCI recommendation for a joint platform between the State and Federal Governments to manage this issue.
“The GRS State Government takes note of all the views and inputs from all quarters following the statement by the Home Minister.
“It is better for all not to jump the gun,” he said on Feb 11.
The Chief Minister was adamant that the proposal does not involve giving the foreigners identification cards nor a document to grant them citizenship and that it will have to undergo fine-tuning by taking into account views and inputs from all including political parties, activists and the people.
“Our stand is that all illegal immigrants must be deported and only those who are working legally in the state will be issued with the foreign worker card,” he said.
“Background checks will be done and those with criminal records will face the full brunt of the law,” stressed the Chief Minister.
Hajiji said the Kad Warga Asing and Kad Pekerja Warga Asing (Foreign Worker Card) have been proposed to be a standard document for all IMM 13, Sijil Banci and the Kad Burung-Burung holders previously issued to Filipino immigrants and all legal foreign workers.
“The proposed Foreign Worker Card will be issued to all foreign workers in the plantation, agriculture and fisheries, manufacturing, construction and domestic helpers sectors amongst others.
“We need to establish a database of foreign workers so that there is a systematic record of their presence in the state,“ he stressed.
“We take into account views and inputs from all relevant parties who share a concern on this legacy issue. At the state level, I will chair the State Security Committee (JKKNS) whilst the State Secretary will head the working committee,” he said.
The key JKKNS members comprised Esscom, Armed Forces, police, Immigration and Registration Departments, the Internal Affairs and Research Office of the Chief Minister’s Department and the National Security Council as joint secretariat.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
