The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrant problems in Sabah may not have the legal clout to determine what judgment can be meted against the culprits, as certain leaders in the state have suggested.

NONE "I think that is the province of the court," said United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) president Bernard Dompok ( right ) said in Kota Kinabalu today.

"It is not for the RCI to go into that area. They (RCI panel members) probably can recommend the sort of action the government should take, but to mete out punishment is beyond their jurisdiction," he said.

Dompok, who is also Primary Industries and Commodities Minister, was asked to comment on the call by certain leaders that the terms of reference of the RCI should include determination of judgment and punishment against the culprits.

He said the terms of the RCI should not be politicised as its intention was noble, to address the issue of the illegal immigrants in Sabah once and for all.

"I think the terms of reference are wide enough to allow for investigation on the scale we

want to ensure everything is covered," he told reporters after attending the presentation of certificates to the second batch of graduates of the Institute of Malaysian Plantations and Commodities (IMPAC).

In announcing the terms of reference for the RCI in the Sabah capital last Saturday, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said that the panel, to be chaired by former chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak Steve Shim, would be given six months to complete its investigations into the influx of illegal immigrants in Sabah.

- Bernama