NGO lauds arrests of ‘big fish’ in Penang
Published on: Tuesday, September 17, 2019
By: Mail Mathew
Photo for illustration only.
KENINGAU: Angkatan Perpaduan Sabah (APS) describes the recent detention of some “big fish” in Penang as a huge success.This came following the arrest of a man carrying the title ‘Datuk’ and an officer from the Penang National Registration Department who purportedly sold MyKads and birth certificates to foreigners.ADVERTISEMENT
It is understood that those detained, aged between 34 and 66, are charged separately under Section 4 (5) of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), Section 26E of the Anti-Trafficking in Person and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (Atipsom) 2007 and Section 466 of the Penal Code.
APS Vice President Paul Kadau, said the arrest was indeed news which are highly anticipated by the people across the country especially in Sabah where officers and personnel from the National Registration Department were also arrested in Semporna not too long ago.
He, however, said that there are still many questions surrounding the arrests, because despite the arrests and charges, the result of the case remain unknown, adding that the public should know what is happening.
“Sabah is known for “Project IC” and document forgery around the 1990s, including the latest issuance of Mykad in Semporna … now another issue involving the sale of MyKads and birth certificates in Penang … these are matters which worry us all,” he said in a statement, here, Monday.ADVERTISEMENT
Nevertheless, we congratulate the authorities especially the police, print media and other government departments for uncovering the syndicate selling identity documents to Chinese citizens in Penang masterminded by an NRD officer in Penang,” he added.
He said the act of selling MyKads and birth certificates to foreigners is an act of highest treason to the country and it is only right that more stringent legal actions including expulsion be taken against them.
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Kadau urged the authorities especially the Home Ministry not to compromise with any party that grant citizenship, MyKads, birth certificate as well as other forms of citizenship especially in Sabah in a dubious manner.
It is understood that Putrajaya National Registration Department has confirmed that it will study remodelling and improving the procedure of birth certificate and identity card issuance following the incident in Penang.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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The NRD in a statement also stated that they will ensure there is no space for misappropriation and abuse of power by irresponsible parties.