PENAMPANG: The initial skepticism on the integrity and independence of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the extraordinary increase in the population of Sabah has been proven wrong so far.
United Pasokmomogun KadazanDusun Murut Organization (UPKO) deputy secretary general Senator Dr Lucas Umbul in a statement yesterday said that witnesses who had testified so far had given their evidence and statement with ease without fear or favour.
He therefore urged all quarters to not comment on the proceeding for fear that what they say could intimidate other witnesses, thus preventing them from giving evidence.
“No one should make any conclusion at this point in time because there are still many more witnesses to come and members of the RCI need to be given ample space and time to complete their investigation,” added Dr Lucas who is also the UPKO Tenom Divisional chief.
He was of the opinion that one can only give a fair comment and opinion once the RCI has completed the public inquiry, written the report and made it public.
Dr Lucas also expressed his satisfaction on the people’s appreciation to the decision by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his administration to establish the Commission.
He added that the decision was made possible simply by the basic principle and leadership approach by the Najib administration which is; 1 Malaysia (inclusiveness), People First (giving priority to the people’s concern and aspiration); Performance Now (implementation with integrity and competency).
“The establishment of the RCI is not a mere slogan but implemented with vigor within the underlying theme of transformation namely, political transformation, government transformation and economic transformation.
“In short the Najib administration represents a new and transformed government. Najib is genuinely implementing political transformation as evidence in the government’s decision to abolish several laws which have been described by various quarters as draconian such as the Internal Security Act (ISA) and the University and Colleges Act and the like.
“Surely, Najib as the Prime Minister must have been confronted with various challenges in arriving at a decision to establish the RCI. However the challenges are understandable because the extraordinary increase in the population of Sabah is historical in perspective all of which happens during the tenure of two previous administrations,” he said.
Dr Lucas also disclosed that UPKO secretary general Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau has been subpoenaed to appear before the RCI and is ready to attend as a witness.