KDM leaders criticised for supporting proposal to issue IMM13
KOTA KINABALU: Keningau's Warisan Sabah division chief, Datuk Jake Nointin, lambasted Sabah's KDM (Kadazan, Dusun and Murut) leaders for supporting the proposal to issue IMM13 documents to holders of Kad Burung-Burung, Banci certificates and to immigrants who are now in Sabah, in particular the presidents of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) and Solidariti Tanah Airku Sabah (STAR).
In a statement issued yesterday, Jake said that the IMM13 documents should only be issued to individuals who are qualified, especially war refugees.
He explained that the IMM13 document is for the refugees since it allows the holder to be recognized by the United Nations to reside in Sabah and rendered with various advantages.
Meanwhile, holders of the Kad Burung-Burung and Banci certificates have never been recognized as legal travel documents.
“The holders of BurungBurung and Banci cards can be categorized as illegal immigrants who can be arrested by the police if they are found to have entered Sabah without any approval,” he said.
“Hence, I can see that there is a hidden agenda behind the announcement of Home Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin,” he said.
He said that if this was to be allowed as planned by the Federal Government, the status of illegal immigrants would be replaced to that of a war refugee.
“I consider this plan by the Federal Government as a back door step to recognize and permit the illegal immigrants to stay in Sabah. These illegal immigrants who will be given IMM13 will have access to special privileges and may become Malaysians,” he claimed.
Jake said that the Sabah leaders, particularly those of KDM group should express their objections before it was too late.
“The leaders of Sabah, especially those of the KDM must not be too passionate to follow the instructions of the Federal government. The KDM leaders should know better the rights of the Sabah people and think of the long-term impacts to our grandchildren.
“Do not allow the rice to turn into porridge. Do not be regretful only after the rights of the KDM are eroded,” he said.
Jake added that Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Dr Maximus Ongkili should be more aware that the IMM13 documents provide various privileges that must be respected by the country.
“So why do they hastily agree with the giving of privileges to the illegal immigrants? Are they turning their backs against the aspirations of the people by agreeing to award the IMM13 to illegal immigrants,” he questioned.
He also questioned Dr Jeffrey of his guarantee that the illegal immigrants would be sent home once the IMM13 documents were issued.
“What are the guarantees? Even those who are holding the IMM13 now are still not sent home yet,” he said.
“Previously they said that the IMM13 holders would be sent home. It hadn't happened yet. And furthermore, there are even more illegal immigrants being given IMM13.
"Every year we will have more IMM13 holders becoming citizens. And more of them will be voting. The rights of the original people in Sabah will be eroded and every year, the political power of the KDM people will also lessen,” he added.