KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk VK Liew’s comment in saying that the issuance of Sabah identity cards is not practical is totally uncalled for, said Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) secretary-general Datuk Richard Yong.
“He is trying to divert the people’s attention from dubious ICs and trying to cover up the wrong-doings of Umno in giving ICs to huge number of foreigners.
“It is unfortunate that he (Liew) had never provided any constructive and useful suggestions to resolve the illegal immigrant problems faced by Sabah people and is showing little regard to the rights and privilege of genuine Sabahans in trying to cover up for Umno,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Yong added that it was of no surprise if Barisan Nasional (BN) or Umno does not have the intention to resolve the illegal immigrant problems because of their desire to hold on to political power, what more to give Sabah the state autonomy.
BN, said Yong, would continue to twist facts and try to stop SAPP from implementing Sabah IC because such formula would reduce their political influence.
“Even facing the attack of BN parties and some Peninsular based-parties, SAPP will continue to fight for Sabah rights and will not compromise state rights and autonomy.
“Sabah IC as mentioned in SAPP manifesto is meant to protect the status of genuine Malaysian Sabahans, to weed out dubious and fake ICs which are plenty in Sabah. Within the framework of the Malaysia Constitution and laws, SAPP will set up a department to issue Sabah ICs to qualified Malaysians including West Malaysians and Sarawakians who are permanent residents of Sabah,” he said.
The Sabah IC, said Yong, would entitle the holders to land applications, state government and agency incentives and privileges, trading licenses, scholarships and state welfare.
“The policy is meant to protect the interests of genuine Malaysian Sabahans,” he added.
“Earlier on, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yahya Hussein also made a similar comment which implied that BN and Umno do not recognize the 20 Points and at the same time try to eliminate whatever is left of Sabah autonomy,” he said.