Pairin’s committee on illegal immigrants says will hear out Sabah opposition

(Malay Mail Online) – The government committee on Sabah’s illegal immigrants said today it will consider the opposition’s opinions in resolving the longstanding immigration problem.

Its chairman Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said opposition members like PKR state chairman Datuk Lajim Ukin and his younger brother, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, were welcome to send in their views for consideration by the committee.

“This is provided it is constructive as the committee aims to analyse all feedback,” Pairin told reporters here after a courtesy call from Home Ministry officials.

“If they have an idea or suggestion, do convey it to us. If we want to call you up, we will let you know,” the Sabah deputy chief minister added.

Pairin said the committee aimed to be objective in solving the issues relating to illegal immigrants in Sabah, and was therefore willing to listen to opposition party members and related non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

In denying Jeffrey’s allegations that the committee might be too partisan and biased to solve the issues, Pairin said that they would approach the issues objectively.

Previously, Lajim had called on Pairin to include the opposition and relevant NGOs for better input into the committee, while Jeffrey had formed an independent group with other Sabah-based opposition parties to monitor the progress of the government in solving the issue of illegal immigrants in the State.

Pairin received today a courtesy call from officials from the Home Ministry led by deputy secretary-general Datuk Wahab Yasin and including Immigration Department director general Datuk Mustafa Ibrahim, Immigration Department director Datuk Sulaiman Keling and the ministry’s legal advisor Othman Yusof.

Calling it their first unofficial meeting, he said among the topics of discussion were procedural matters relating to the panel.

According to Pairin, he and other committee members still have yet to receive their official appointment letter, but will carry on their duties within the scope of the Terms of Reference.

“Of course, it is ideal to have the appointment letter. But I have accepted the position to chair the committee although we haven’t received the appointment letters… because we are pressured by a lot of people, NGOs, media for us to move fast, we all are ready to accept the move,” he said.

Pairin said the committee will aim to come up with a plan of action within the year.

Meanwhile, they will set up a secretariat to manage public feedback and proposals in how to tackle the issue.