RANAU: The arrest of the rogue guard who shot dead an AmBank officer when robbing the bank should strengthen the basis of recalling all the ICs produced in Sabah to allow for resetting process of citizenship documentation in the state, said Upko Komulakan chief Ewon Benedick.
“Last year, when a Pakistani was brought to court in connection with the murder of a teenage girl in Kota Marudu, I made an open suggestion to the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to widen its scope to also investigate how he obtained his ICs and allowed to operate business.”
“I suggest to the RCI to at least convene a special investigation at the AmBank robbery and murder case last month as the suspect was in possession of fake IC and still passed through immigration check at the airport and allowed to work in a security firm,” said Ewon.
According to him, the presence and possession of illegal IC from Sabah has gone beyond just its issuance through the so called Project IC as the holders are found in the private and public service in the country.
“There was even an article which equates the Sulu chief of Lahad Datu intrusion to a former ADO in Kudat during USNO time,” he said.
Ewon reiterated his party’s stand to recall and reissue identity cards to only genuine Malaysians in Sabah.
The proposal was made by Upko President, Tan Sri Bernard Dompok at the launching of Operasi Tataba earlier this year and was endorsed by PBS president, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and PBRS president, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.
“In extending our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Norazita Abu Talib, we would also like to congratulate the PDRM Ops Cantas for the successful arrest of the suspect.”
“But the fact that they are now in the private and business sectors, probably also now in the public service, is worrying the whole state as criminal cases like this has gone up in numbers. Security is now the state’s main concern as more and more Sabahans feel insecure,” he added.
“Former Deputy Police Chief of Sabah, Datuk Bakri Zinin, who is now the Deputy IGP previously said illegal immigration is the mother of all problem in Sabah and even a former Suhakam Commissioner made a statement of the possible reverse takeover because of the Project IC,” he further added.
Ewon, who is also Upko Kota Belud chief, said all of his members were ready to return their ICs to the authority to allow for investigation and to reissue a new IC for genuine Sabahans.
“With stronger state representation in the federal cabinet, I believe we can push for a comprehensive solution to this problem. I don’t see any reason why we cannot adopt the proposal. What we need is only stronger political will,” said Ewon when speaking to the media after launching the 46th annual sports of SK Kiau in Ranau Sports Complex yesterday.
“I believe the majority of the people in Sabah want the problem of citizenship in the state to be resolved and this proposal could be the solution. We are also looking forward to see the report by RCI and its recommendation.
“The state Barisan Nasional has made it number one priority to pursue solution for this problem and go along with the recommendation by the RCI,” said Ewon.