PBS wants KL to rectify 'mistake'
Published on: Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Sec-Gen Datuk Johnny Mositun said there is urgent need for the Federal Government to rectify the "mistake" committed in 1984 following the federalisation of Labuan that has allowed any Tom, Dick and Harry to enter Sabah virtually with no questions asked through Menumbok and Jesselton Point.This is because although arrivals via flight from Labuan could still be scrutinised at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, there is hardly such measure at the two stated entry points which involve sea transport.Mositun believed tightening immigration rules alone would not deter dubious characters entering Sabah.
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Hence, he said, the State Government should review the free entry of people into Sabah via Labuan because there is ample proof of abuse of this privilege. The relaxed conditions have made it possible for all sorts of undesirables with questionable motives to enter the State, he said."This could be just the tip of the iceberg. We should plug this loophole immediately," he said.Calling for the full reinstatement of the immigration procedures applied by Sabah upon the formation of Malaysia in 1963, Mositun said the situation today necessitated strict enforcement of Malaysia's immigration laws and procedures, not just Sabah's.
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"Ease of entry to Sabah is one thing, but this cannot be at the expense of security and social order. Entry to our State must be controlled. Allowing people unrestricted freedom of entry to Sabah from Labuan is akin to shutting the front door to keep out robbers but leaving the window open for them to enter by. It makes no sense," Mositun said.Mositun said the relaxation of entry rules from Labuan to Sabah was only an administrative matter and had been made so as not to inconvenience Sabahans living or working in Labuan from entering the State after Labuan had been declared a Federal Territory.
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"But I don't see how requesting one to produce one's Identity Card or MyKad for immigration clearance can be considered an inconvenience. If the document shows the person is a Sabahan, he or she can enter or depart with no restriction," he said.Mositun who is also a Deputy Speaker said Sarawak had from the beginning exercised its full rights and authority over immigration into that state without jeopardising relations with Peninsular Malaysia or Sabah."As a result Sarawak is not flooded with illegal immigrants and other undesirables. Ordinary Sarawakians are also not unduly overwhelmed by economic migrants or marginalised in their own state by more savvy and well-connected businessmen from elsewhere. "That has allowed Sarawakian businessmen and companies to learn and grow. Today, Sarawakian businesses are among the most competitive and successful ones in Malaysia," he noted."I do not see why non-Sabahan Malaysians from other states have to be subjected to standard immigration procedures while those entering via Labuan are exempted. Plug this loophole at once," he said. Referring to the recent spat between Chief Justice of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Richard Malanjum and ex-Libaran Member of Parliament Datuk Akbar Khan Abdulrahman over the huge presence of Pakistani nationals in Sabah, he said PBS also had the same apprehensions that there could be more to the issue."Pakistanis do not come directly to Sabah from Karachi. They pass through Peninsular Malaysia first, and as we all know, Peninsular Malaysia is flooded with immigrants from numerous countries including Pakistan. "It is entirely possible that the so-called syndicate in Sabah is only 'small fry' and directed by the masterminds in Kuala Lumpur, whoever they are. I hope MACC and the police will look into that angle. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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