August 11, 2012
Royal Commission: Getting to the Bottom of the Illegal Immigrants Issue
by Joniston Bangkuai | jon@nst.com.my
THE much-awaited investigation into the influx of illegal immigrants into Sabah and the allegations that some of them have been granted citizenship and registered as voters is set to start in earnest.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is expected to reveal the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the recently formed Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) entrusted with the task of probing the matter when he visits Sabah today.
Described as the “mother of all problems” in Sabah, the illegal immigrants’ issue has been haunting the state for decades and a comprehensive effort to get to the root of the problem would be a major boost to the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN).
With the general election expected to be called soon, the investigation by the RCI would be crucial for BN to further gain the confidence and trust of the people. The BN government’s seriousness in tackling the matter will be key to maintaining its stronghold, Sabah.
It has to be noted that the opposition in Sabah has been playing up the illegal immigrants’ issue to garner support, accusing the government of not being serious in finding a solution.
Najib had announced the RCI on June 1 following fresh requests from state 
BN component parties. The influx of illegal immigrants has been a longstanding problem in Sabah, and frequently blamed for the social, economic and security problems in the state.
According to figures made available in Parliament last year, Sabah’s population in 1970 was 651,304 and grew to 929,299 a decade later. Two decades later, the state’s population rose significantly by a staggering 1.5 million people to 2,468,246 in 2000.
In 2010, this number was estimated to have grown to 3.12 million, with foreigners allegedly making up a sizeable 27 per cent or 889,799 of the population.
The opposition, particularly Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has been taking advantage of the issue.
It was also one of the main reasons given by Tuaran member of parliament Datuk Seri Wilfred Mojilip Bumburing and Beaufort MP Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin for leaving BN recently to align themselves with the opposition.
Perhaps Sabahans should be wary of Anwar’s rhetoric on the issue, considering that he was “quiet” about it when he was the Deputy Prime minister.
In fact, whenever the issue was raised, Anwar had then vehemently denied that foreigners were given citizenship and registered as voters.To understand Anwar’s true colour, Sabahans should revisit the major issues raised by Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), which was then in the opposition, in the 1994 state election in which Anwar was BN’s director of operations.
PBS had during and after the 1994 election complained about illegal immigrants being registered as voters, commonly known as “phantom voters”. Anwar chose to turn a deaf ear, but now he is portraying himself as Sabah’s hope for getting rid of the problem.
Little wonder that Sabahans, with the exception of Bumburing and Lajim’s supporters, see Anwar as nothing more than a political chameleon out to fool them.
Unlike Anwar, PBS, although it is now back in the BN coalition, has been consistent in raising the matter. And it is not just PBS which has been vocal on the issue. Other BN component parties, particularly the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation, Liberal Democratic Party and Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah have never wavered in pushing for the RCI to be set up.
While Anwar and his newfound allies in Bumburing and Lajim continue with their rhetoric on the issue, the BN government is taking steps to deal with the matter.
The understanding and cooperation between the state government under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman’s leadership and Najib-led Federal Government have paved the way for a conducive working relationship to address the problems affecting Sabah and its people.
Sabahans have Najib to thank for listening to their views and for walking the talk by making the RCI a reality.
It is hoped that the ToR for the RCI will be all-encompassing, leaving no stones unturned in the course of the investigation.The Prime Minister’s strong political will to deal with this contentious issue should see Sabah remain as the BN’s fixed deposit in the coming general elections.
Din.what can the RCI do? Do they have power to revoke the citizenship given to filipino and Indon.If you can revoke what about the Chinese and Indian in West Malaysia.Mahathir had preempt the RCI.I think Najib just wants to make some Kadazan people have a good dream.
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Mahathir is afraid of disclosure of what he did in Sabah using His Deputy Anwar Ibrahim.–Din Merican
Din,
Yeap! We have mad dog called ktemoc plunged his teeth onto anwar’s neck while mahathir go away scot free.
Clf would say wtf is that joker
I do wonder if pairin kitingan & PBS folks would join. Lock stock & barrel. With pairin & the gang, they should have at least 1/2 parliamentary & state seats in Sabah. Not yong teck lee or Jeffrey
The only right way to probe this illegal menace and the issuance of legal papers to PTIs is to bring in an international team of investigators free from all forms of political leaning… This Bingkasan NST journalist is kidding himself. Mahathir – Anwar and for that matter , the entire federal govt apparatus are prime suspects behind this treasonous act… Todays announcement by PM Najib of the setting up of an RCI and its terms of reference sounds assuring but its timing and the length of six months that is given to wrap-up its findings are questionable..
Obviously, Mahathir is afraid of his own shadows, fearing that the RCI would reveal his complicity in granting citizenship to the illegal immigrants. It is time we put this evil man on the carpet together with Anwar who was his sidekick at that time.
His justification of the Sabah population boom, on the basis of the border between southern Philippines and then-British North Borneo was not well recognised and people can go back and forth easily and stay for a long time, is nonsensical.
These illegal immigrants have been able to go back and forth because the federal government has failed to enforce adequate border security to deter these people from coming in.
During the confrontation period between Malaysia and Indonesia, why was the federal government able to patrol the borders securely to deter the enemies from crossing over, but not now? The answer is obvious.
Former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad is afraid of the RCI (royal commission of inquiry). His fear is showing through his false bravado. He cannot deny that he had no knowledge of the plan to legalise and naturalise those hundreds of thousands of Indonesians and Filipinos because he was PM as well as Home Affairs Minister.
Mahathir, tell us how come not a single Vietnamese war refugee was able to escape the round-up when they landed on our shores?
It has nothing to do with the present government but has everything to do with you and your administration. You sold Sabah to foreigners in exchange for political power and this legacy of yours is being duplicated now in peninsula, especially in the state of Selangor by Najib and gang.
For a start just deport back all illegal overstayers back to their country of origin in compliance of our law. Even while we debate this issue, illlegal immigrant is still crossing into Malaysia with impunity. So what are we talking about RCI when our borders are so porous and our politician are so mess up, nobody care about our national interest anymore, just self preservation and self interest. Illegal overstayers is a national interest issue. Period. Just send all of them back ASAP.
The authror of this article Joniston appears to be a cybertroopr paid by BN. He has no clue on the broader agenda andn related issues involved inn this granting of resident status to unlawful entrants. The RCI in its present form is hogwash to avoid the hard hitting questions. It is an appeasement to save the corruptors skin.
I hope the concerned citizens of Sabah and sarawak will reject this terms of reference of the RCI.
Najib will not achieve what he has set out to achieve by this sleigh of hand.
Daud,
What’s there to bring up international team to rci? Come up with plan with in monitoring group to deport illegals back to Philippines & Indonesia. Fine them heavily. Of course depending on their disposal income. Hang all the human traffickers & the masterminds. Issue special ic for those who crossed the border & become citizens through project ic. No right to work. Need special work permit for certain critical sectors. Make them stateless when they violate the law. Meanwhile Sabah & Sarawak must follow lebanon’s style. Governor must be a non Muslim. Either chief minister or speaker must be non Muslim. Half or more cabinet ministers must be a non Muslim. Northern ireland style good model to study. There are too many head of states who are Muslims. I even propose Penang & malacca governors must be non Muslim
Guys & gals,
Do you know that there was an agreement that if the malacca chief minister was a malay, the governor must be a non muslim. Leong yew ko, ring a bell
Malaysia don’t need another BS toothless RCI. It is a waste of time and money. This RCI is only an election gimmick to delay the election or fishing for votes.
What Malaysian need is GE13. To get rid of these pests who are sucking us dried.
RCI for what..?! 8 reference points of perfidy.
Danil, i agree that neutral investigators would be required ‘cuz of the vested interests. Can’t think of anyone outside the country who’d wanna serve on a edentulous (i.e, toothless, Looes) commission, even when it is actually treason.
Jibs is just inconveniencing everyone, ‘cuz what has happened cannot be undone, without political will. Something Jibs is very short on.
What should happen, is that the perps be hung by their cojones to the largest anthill and BN be kicked outta Sabah. A newly formed state commission should then be given temporary statutory powers to revoke these fraudulent citizenships. Federalism gone haywire, has to be corrected by the state itself.
This NST article is pointing at Anwar. Not a word about Mahathir.
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Behind Anwar was Mahathir. That is why he does not want the RCI. At that time, Anwar would do anything to please his boss. After all, he was the anointed successor until they fell out over economic policy and other matters. As they say the rest is history. Anwar ended up in the slammer for 6 years and became a different politician after his release in 2004.–Din Merican
Logically, what can 6 months of RCI do compared to the 55 years of abuses. Do the RCI has the authority to send the immigrants home? I doubt so because this will invite more trouble for Sabah and an excuse for BN to declaring state of emergency to hold on to power. These immigrants will fight back because they have paid the IC with hard earned money. With due respect, the members of the RCI will have a hard time looking for witnesses, just like the Bersih. What is done, is done.
Knowing how the authority views RCI’s recommendations from the past RCIs, RCI is a pussy.
Clf,
Hey, that’s my idea. Have you read my statement, the recent ones? Wow your teeth must be stronger. It’d be great to have wwf wrestlings between bloggers & you.
You have not answered my questions? If thamrin jumped to pkr, would you have the same doubts just as kaytee got great condemnation on anwar. Hahaha!
By the way, anwar unilaterally declare that pakatan Sabah will yield seats. Which one? Pkr ones? Seem lotsa folks jump to sapp or star. So how? Should pkr relegated to junior partner for once? Or azmin will come in to be taiko just like what azmin had f up in Sarawak state election? Contested 49, only get 2. Hahahaha! Now wanna jaik Miri & stampin. Umnoism at work!
Can pkr give up bukit katil to thamrin? Khalid can stand in Hulu selangor. Can pkr reduce their contested seats? Don’t poach other proper seats
Looes, what ‘idea’ are you talking about? If it’s good we shall see.
I don’t do other blogs – neither read nor comment. Otherwise, ain’t no time to floss my canines. Reading prion infested ramblings of the intellectually super-gifted most times cause mine ophthalmic apparatus to water excessively and increases the astigmatism. Btw, I am neutral wrt to political personae, except those with cult status and have minimal inkling of the machina deux of political parties, cuz i don’t belong to any party.
My comment here is about ‘reverse engineering’ and how i think things should be done. I’m thoroughly aware of the complexities of the Government and the need to abide to the Constitution. You guys can huff ‘n puff at the minutiae of seat allocation etc, but all i want for the time being, is an Opposition win. Is that too much to ask?
Being an armchair politician is akin to knowingly abusing oneself, which is no-no according to most religious traditions. However, you are free to make your choice. Just don’t wet the bed – cuz your momma doesn’t like it.
Vic,
Perhaps it’s nailing anwar’s trouser to the masts! Omg, I do smell a rat
Wow clf,
At one moment, I thought I was watching Seth macfarlane’s family guy. It’s no fun if equal intellucts such as you & the other gcmg fella having a rumble. Boy, I will glue to the fight. Patton says americans love to fight. Nah! Men such as you love the sting of battle.
Ah so, what’s the fuss thamrin joining pas then? What if thamrin join pkr, will you sing a different tune? What say you about somebody says that anwar is too umnoist. Must be eliminated at all cost?
Armchair critics, say you? Me, I am Jon Stewart guy who can’t stand the bs even from a claimed to be neutral person .
Haha..! Apalu cakap ah? Tak faham la.
Responding to a funk like you is like responding to my puppy. As Cesar Milan says, there’s no such thing as a bad dog, only a bad owner. Who owns you? Ktemoc, whatever? Strange name for a MCA blogger hiding in Oz, izzn’it? You must love RPK too.. I know you have the gall for Anwar, whom i respect but don’t worship. I haven’t met him in years and don’t hold a candle for him. I also know Ling da ling, but that was a lifetime ago.
Thamrin? Who? Why are you so focused on people you claim to know, but don’t and becoming obsessed with things that didn’t happen (that’s called a delusion). Would want me to recommend a shrink for your OCS and cyclothymic personality disorder?
Gimme a break and go back to Taiwan with Namewee, to study some more. Heard he pissed off Lin Dan fans big time in the name of free expression. Poor LCW, had to apologize.
Clf,
Don’t spoil my fun. I wanna have a gladiatorial fight. Battle of brains le. Let’s have a platform just like the street fighter game. I can shout! Fight!
You & him very opinionated & egoistic. Just like red baron during ww1. Be a good sport. Let’s fight!
Else you or him are cojones less. Hahaha
P.s lagi better if at the end, the winner will say
You win
This game is call – you shake the tree all will FALL!
Hope it will not end like TBH’s case.
Tun M keeps on slamming the RCI matter whilst Anwar keeps quiet. Cliche?