Forum can be concurrent with actions against illegals – Yong

KOTA KINABALU: The forum proposed by Sabah STAR president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan can help to resolve the perennial problems of illegal immigrants in Sabah because such a forum is an avenue for public feedback and proposals.

According to Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Yong Teck Lee, there is nothing to delay or to stop the deportations of illegals even when the forum is being organised.

“The forum and actions against illegal immigrants can be concurrent and go hand in hand,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Yong said he finds it strange that the Parti Warisan treasurergeneral objected to the forum on the ground that the forum was going to be another “No Action, Talk Only”.

He said that as for the proposed forum, it can include private sector participation so that the status of undocumented foreign workers can be addressed.

“Oil palm plantations and construction companies, for instance, would co-operate to resolve the issue of their undocumented workers.”

“Of course, the government authorities have their own established procedures, experiences and methods in detecting, detaining and deporting illegals. But it is obvious that government authorities can benefit from useful ideas from NGOs and activists who have their own experiences in dealing with a tough issue like illegal immigration,” Yong said.

Yong also called for another issue which is the fate of street kids to be looked into.

“Some of these young illegals are homeless and abandoned. NGOs and welfare bodies can help handle these street kids before their deportation after locating their families in their home countries,” he said.