Rethink urged on Temporary Pass
Published on: Friday, November 15, 2019
KOTA KINABALU: The Angkatan Bersatu Anak Muda (Armada) of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) wants the Federal and State governments to reconsider the proposed implementation of the Sabah Temporary Pass (PSS).
Its Chief, Mohd Isquzawan Israq Arsit (pic), said based on media reports, a joint meeting between the Home Ministry and the State Government has decided that the Government will introduce and implement the PSS starting June 1, 2020, as a document to replace the Census Certificate, Kad Burung-Burung and IMM13.
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He said since the announcement, Armada Bersatu Sabah has received a lot of response from Sabahans, many of whom expressed concern and that a majority disagreed with the introduction of the PSS.
“Armada Bersatu Sabah sees this negative response as a result of the announcement being made without a comprehensive engagement session with the people and without sufficient information.
“Immigration and registration issues are highly sensitive matters for Sabahans, there should be a series of administrative sessions with the people before any decision is made.
“Approaches such as holding meetings, discussions and decision making among government agencies alone is inadequate and unfair to the people.
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“Immigration and registration issues have a direct bearing on national sovereignty, and every citizen has the right and privilege to care,” he said, in a statement, Thursday.
Mohd Isquzawan said various questions have been raised, including the legal powers of the Census Certificate, Kad Burung-Burung , IMM13 and PSS itself.
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“Additionally, if implemented, will PSS holders be allowed to work legally in Sabah, and if allowed, will they be charged the same levy as other legitimate foreign workers.
“If no levy is imposed, it is seen that this policy will give ‘unauthorised’ foreigners access through PSS as opposed to legal foreign workers who are subject to higher annual levy payments, compared to the RM120 for PSS holders which is valid for three years,” he said.
According to him, the most important question is how sure are they in ensuring the list and distribution process of the PSS is transparent and is free from alteration.
He also said that there is concern over the post-PSS direction, on what the maximum duration of PSS holders are and is there a clear action plan on them being sent back to their home countries.
He said the fundamental questions revolve around the objective and justification of the introduction of the PSS which is not explained in detail.
“In line with the Post Budget 2020 Workshop which we hosted on Nov. 10, Armada Bersatu Sabah has decided to urge the government to reconsider the implementation of the PSS.
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