State Cabinet to decide on select committee to address illegal immigrants - Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU - The proposal to set a bipartisan Select Committee in the Sabah state assembly to tackle the issue of illegal immigrants would be brought to the state Cabinet, said Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He welcomed the proposal raised by Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) as a follow-up of Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan who is also the chairman of the special state Cabinet committee on undocumented foreign workers and illegal immigrants.

He said illegal immigrant is a problem inherited from the past in the state, therefore a comprehensive solution should be implemented for the long-term interest of the state.

"I will bring the matter for consideration of the state Cabinet. Nonetheless, the pre-condition is that all should be honest and sincere in seeking a quick solution to the legacy and the long-term interest of the state.

"At the same time, we need to cooperate with the federal government to handle current pressing issues involving the people’s livelihood,” he said when opening the 36th and 37th annual general assembly of PBS.

Earlier, PBS president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili in his welcome speech raised the proposal to the Sabah government to set up a committee to resolve the problems of illegal immigrants which has plagued the state for so long.

Meanwhile, Hajiji said Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is an important political alignment as a local formula in creating togetherness among Sabahans for a new national political landscape.

"The grassroots want us to be united under local platform to boost the struggle of defending the rights and interests of Sabahans in the local and national political stages,” he said.

GRS comprises Bersatu Sabah, PBS, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), Parti Progresif Sabah (SAPP) and Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Sabah Bersatu (USNO) which cooperates with Barisan Nasional in administering the state. - BERNAMA