Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Supreme Council Member, Yong Yit Jee, said that Federal and State Government could ‘kill two birds with one stone’ by implementing the Sabah IC and extending the “Back For Good” (B4G) programme.
Yong, who is also a lawyer, said that the proposed “Foreigner Card” would be unconstitutional and illegal if it allows the foreigners to reside and work in Sabah. It would also breach the Federal Constitution and spirit of MA63 that safeguards Sabah’s autonomy on special immigration status.
“Under the Passport Act 1966 (Act 150) and the Immigration Act 1959/63 (Act 155), all foreigners are required to have valid travel documents and work permits to enter, reside or work in Sabah and Malaysia. Any individuals who entered Sabah unlawfully shall be arrested and deported to their countries of origin.”
“This proposal could do more harm than good. More illegal immigrants may be encouraged to come and reside in Sabah,” he said.
The Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin claims that the card is supposed to identify the number of foreign nationals present in Sabah. This can also be done by extending the B4G programme as proposed by Jamain Sarudin from Solidariti Rakyat (Sorak), a local NGO.
Plus, B4G programme allows foreigners to return to their respective origin countries without any legal repercussions. Foreigners who joined B4G may return by applying or renewing their passports and enter Sabah through the proper immigration channels. This is similar to the regularisation programme implemented by the Sabah and Federal governments.
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