Elopura rep supports call to deport illegals

SANDAKAN: Elopura Assemblyman, Calvin Chong Ket Kiun said that he supports the statement from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sabah Vice Chairman, Kenny Chua, on deporting illegal immigrants back to their respective countries.

Chong agreed that it is a good way to curb the problem of large number of illegal immigrants in Sabah.

“This group of people needs to be screened so that we know their current status. This is because some of them were born here and have started working here. Majority of them have been here for three generations.

“If the State Government has sufficient allocation to send the illegal immigrants back to their countries, then this should be done immediately. However, if that is not the case, the State Government could give them temporary pass, not MyKad.

“Among benefits that we get if we implement issuance of temporary pass is that the State Government would have the record of their thumb prints, and thus make it easier to identify them and know their actual population, as well as their locations. Census work could also be conducted more easily.

“Other than that, their buying power has also increased. They could afford to build a life by working and conducting business, which would help develop the country's economy though tax payment and their spending in local market.

“Sabah's labour resources would also increase and it would make it easier for employers to get valid workers without worrying about their citizenship status. Estate owners could cut cost as they do not need to pay their guarantee.

“The younger generation would have the opportunity to get basic education access and it would reduce the documentation problems faced.

“While I strongly disagree with the issuance of MyKad to illegal immigrants, I support the issuance of temporary pass so that this group of people would not be left behind,” he said.