Concern over growing number of non-citizens using SDs as support documents

SABAH deputy chief minister I Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan has raised concerns over a growing trend of non-citizens in Sabah using statutory declarations (SDs) to support applications for identification documents.

He warned that such practices could undermine the state’s legal and electoral integrity.

"This trend raises significant concerns, particularly with the certification of these SDs by commissioners for oaths," Kitingan said in Kota Kinabalu.

"Such endorsements could lead to unintended legal consequences. There is a real risk these documents could be misused, potentially impacting Sabah’s legal and electoral integrity."

Kitingan, who is also the MP for Keningau, noted the timing and frequency of these SDs as cause for heightened scrutiny as Sabah is expected to go into election next year.

He urged commissioners for oaths, magistrates, and other authorities to exercise caution to prevent the misuse of such declarations.

His warning comes amid longstanding concerns over electoral integrity in Sabah.

In the 2013 general elections, reports emerged of voters with questionable identification, while findings from the Royal Commission of Inquiry on illegal immigrants in Sabah revealed syndicates allegedly issuing documents to non-citizens, raising fears of voter roll manipulation. – November 1, 2024