The government's decision to issue birth certificates without citizenship status to stateless children in Sabah is appropriate, according to a local leader.

Majlis Permuafakatan Suluk Sabah (MPSS) secretary Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto said it also showed that the government was transparent in handling security concerns.

Mohd Zaki said the initiative would resolve perennial issues related to illegal immigrants in Sabah.

"Nevertheless, the government must ensure that the mechanism will not be exploited by irresponsible parties.

"The implementation will not be easy and will take time, because the sovereignty of the country and special rights of Malaysians cannot be compromised," he said in a statement issued in Tawau yesterday.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced on Sunday that the government would provide birth certificates to stateless children, which would only contain their birth records.

- Bernama