PENAMPANG, April 1 – A proposal by three Kadazandusun Murut parties to recall and reissue identity cards (IC) to only genuine Malaysians in Sabah is not an impossible procedure said United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok(pic). He admitted that there would be complications involved in pursuing such a proposal as it required looking into the appropriate laws.
“It is a difficult process. But if we put our heads together, it can be done. This is a proposal that we feel can help towards securing our (Sabah people’s) citizenship in this country, especially for those who deserve it,” he told reporters after launching Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s (UMS) “Selangkah Ke Menara Gading” programme here today.
Dompok noted frequent changes had been made to the IC over the years and should another change be implemented, he said that would be the time to review whether the IC or MyKad holders were genuine citizens when they appear at the Registration Department to change their ICs.
Dompok, who is also Plantation Industry and Commodities Minister had initially announced the proposition on March 24, which was endorsed by Deputy Sabah Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who is also Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president, and Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, who is Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president.
They agreed that the proposal should be brought to the attention of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrants in Sabah.
“I also want to present this (proposal) to the federal government if the RCI doesn’t take it up. And then, we will move from there,” he added.
Dompok believes the majority of the people in Sabah want the problem of citizenship in the state to be solved and the proposal could be the solution.
BERNAMA
