"WAS THERE IMM13 FROM SABAH ACTUALLY GIVEN PR BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WITHOUT SEEKING APPROVAL OR CONSENT FROM THE STATE GOVERNMENT? OR DID THE STATE GOVERNMENT CONSENTED TO IT? - MADIUS

Upko surprised IMM13 holders now at 84,000

Penampang: United Pasok Momogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) is surprised over the Chief Minister's revelation that there are 84,000 IMM13 document holders in Sabah.

Its Secretary General Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau, who has consistently pursued the matter for eight years in Parliament, said: "As of 2007, the answer given by the Prime Minister's Department when we (I and other Members of Parliament) asked was that, there are only 57,000 IMM13 documents holders.

"The document is renewable on a yearly basis and children are included in the IMM13 document of parents."

He said Upko was equally surprised when the Chief Minister said that they did not detect any abuse in the issuance of IMM13 document, when several years ago there was even a woman who was caught issuing and selling fake IMM13 documents.

"I stand corrected but for what I know, the IMM13 document is just a piece of yellowish paper which can be printed easily! That is why we Members of Parliament from Sabah have repeatedly suggested in Parliament asking the Government to change the document to something like a MyKad with security features to avoid being faked by unscrupulous people".

"If the Government has not changed the document form a piece of paper to a card with security features then, I am sure the Prime Minister's Department will listen to proposal by the Sabah State Security Council," he said. Tangau said the Chief Minister should also reveal the number of IMM13 holders that been given Permanent Resident status.

"Remember, at one time in Parliament, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Nazri Aziz, told the House a certain number of IMM13 holders in Sabah being given PR," he said.

"And when asked whether or not he has consulted the Sabah State Government as required by the law he said there is no need," he added.

Nazri's statement created a brouha in Sabah and he was supposed to explain the matters to the Elected Representatives. "What had happen to that?" he asked.

"Was there IMM13 from Sabah actually given PR by the Federal Government without seeking approval or consent from the State Government? Or did the State Government consented to it?

How many were issued?

"Upko is intrested to have the answers to those questions as it deals with basic rule of law," he said.

The next issue, Tangau said was the future of the so-called refugee settlements in Sabah, which are presumed to be the settlements of the IMM13 documents holders.

Finally, he said the Sabah State Security Council should monitor how many of the IMM13 holders are gainfully employed.

"Are the children studying and enrolled in government schools?

How many are not gainfully employed and what are they doing for a living. For how long are they going to be in Sabah?

How does the Sabah State Security Council plan to eventually resolve this issue? " he asked.