Sabah BN can't yet commit to 'special IC' plan
Sabah BN is as yet unable to commit to the re-issuance of identity cards (IC) for Sabahans to address the illegal immigration issue, but will instead implement recommendations of the ongoing Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI).
Sabah BN is as yet unable to commit to the re-issuance of identity cards (IC) for Sabahans to address the illegal immigration issue, but will instead implement recommendations of the ongoing Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI).
"This issue has been discussed among component members. (Upko president) Bernard Dompok (right) has expressed support for this issue and we have supported it.
“This needs to be discussed, to go through the process," PBS president Joseph Pairin Kitingan told reporters after the launch of the Sabah BN manifesto today.
The manifesto, launched by state BN chief Musa Aman, placed the issue of illegal immigrants at the top of the election pledges.
"(We give) our commitment to implement all recommendations of the RCI based on the findings of their probe on the illegal immigrants issue," Musa said in his speech at the Umno headquarters in Karamunsing today.
However, Musa refused to elaborate when asked, merely directing reporters to the single sentence in the 16-point manifesto.
Pairin (left) said the fact that the RCI was set up in the first place showed that the BN, and especially Sabah BN component parties, were serious about the issue.
"We are here to resolve the problem," Pairin said.
He said the BN has a track record at both state and federal levels and voters could use this to measure its trustworthiness.
".... there is nothing to see on the other side, just words, promises and leaflets. The opposition's words cannot be trusted. In our hearts, our intention is to tune in, so we can synchronise properly with the federal government," he said.
While all political parties in Sabah have raised the issue, the most vocal are Star and SAPP, with SAPP having gone to town campaigning for a special Sabah IC for genuine Sabahans.
‘Plus, minus’ effect
On a separate matter, Pairin told reporters that the departure of PBS supreme council member Jornah Mohirim was not likely to affect BN's chances in the Matunggong state seat.
"Reports on the ground say it will not but in these situations, when people leave, they will take along their supporters. This happens every time there is an election, so minus here and plus there," he said.
Pairin said this when asked about the dissolution of four PBS branches in Matunggong.
He also advised PBS members not to follow Jornah’s lead, and to prove that their struggle was not for position or candidacy, but for the people.
Jornah had accused Pairin of being a 'yes man' to PBS number two Maximus Ongkili, resulting in her being dropped as the candidate for Matunggong at the last minute, despite getting BN chief Najib Abdul Razak's endorsement.
In 2004, Jornah won the seat, which comes under the Kota Marudu parliamentary seat and will be defended by Maximus in the May 5 election.
However, Maximus was reported by the Borneo Post as saying that Jornah was not on the list endorsed by Najib as she claimed, and that BN's Matunggong candidate Sarapin Magana was.
He also denied masterminding against her, saying that Jornah, who quit PBS on Friday, was just sore about not being fielded.
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