The government should set up a royal commission of inquiry into the issuance of identification documents to illegal immigrants and charge those involved for this 'betrayal of trust' with treason.

The recent exposure is not a remote or isolated case and it is clear that the nation's internal procedures and documentation processes have been compromised by sources within for illegal economic and financial gain.

In view of the seriousness of the matter, it would be plain foolishness to just detain the culprits under the Internal Security Act (ISA). It is pertinent to charge all those involved directly and others who aided or abetted them be they Home Ministry officials or National Registration Department officers with nothing less than treason.

The nation also needs to be informed in the spirit of accountability, transparency and good governance how this scandal came about and whether organised crime syndicates or foreign elements are involved in this activity that threatens to compromise the nation's security.

I believe strongly that there is a strong persuasive legal foundation to justify the establishment of a royal commission to investigate this matter.

It is in the interest of the government to set up a royal commission to once and for all discover the truth behind the rumour that there are in existence 'national identity cards facilitators and factories' providing foreigners with Malaysian identities and permanent residence statuses for a fee.


The writer is the president of the Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor.