Groups plan protest over PSS in Membakut Jan 15
KOTA KINABALU: Pertubuhan Peningkatan Pendidikan Rakyat (Pipa) or People’s Education Improvement Organization and Solidariti Rakyat Sabah (Sorak) or People’s Solidarity will hold a peaceful rally to protest the Sabah Temporary Pass (PSS) in Pekan Membakut on January 15, (Wednesday) at 9am.
According to Sorak Chairman Jamain Sarudin, the rally this time is at the request of the people of the West Coast (Southern part) and they have chosen Membakut for staging the event.
The Sabah Temporary Pass (PSS) which the government wants to implement on June 1 has received wide spread
objections from the people and numerous non-governmental organisations in Sabah.
“The government’s decision is a grave mistake. The government should enforce Immigration law enforcement, and not issue a resident permit to illegal immigrants in Sabah,” he said.
“The most important factor is the enforcement, and enforcement of the law under the Immigration Act 1956/63 (Act 155) which has very clear legal provisions. The act of giving PSS is a loophole that will continue to be exploited by illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries especially from the Southern Philippines and Indonesia.
“The government should be ashamed that neighbouring countries can tighten their Immigration laws but not here in Sabah, Malaysia where we are being made as a laughing stock. Their popular reason is putting the blame on Sabah’s vast borders.
“These illegal intruders have violated the Act under 6 (1) (c) for having no valid travel document and 15 (1) (c) for living in Malaysia beyond the permitted period.
“What good is law if it is not implemented?” he questioned.
“Giving PSS will only provide comfort to the illegal immigrants. What’s more, Deputy Home Minister Dato Azis Hj Jamman in his recent speech in the Dewan Rakyat said PSS holders could apply for citizenship and described it as renewable 10 times, 20 times, even to 100 years.
“What will be the fate of our local children in the future especially in Sabah if the number of illegal immigrants continues to increase?
“PSS holders’ children will become citizens as PSS is a form of document that will legalize their presence in Sabah unlike the Kad Burung and Census Certs that are only registration receipts of foreign immigrants.
Jamain expected 500 people to attend the rally, which is coincidentally in the wake of the coming Kimanis by-election.
Among those present and speaking will be Datuk Seri Anifah Aman (Former Foreign Minister), Datuk Dr Jeffery Kitingan (Star president), Datuk Yong Yong Teck Lee (former chief minister/SAPP president), Datuk Johniston Bangkuai (PBS information chief and Kiulu assemblyman) as well as the people’s representatives and other opposition political leaders.
Jamain also asked that all attendees to wear black T-shirts as a sign of protest against PSS and not to carry any political party flag and party dress. He strongly hoped that those present would be able to show good conduct, discipline and abide by the law.