Rogue officials helping illegals must be weeded out

PBS welcomes police probe into syndicates operating with impunity within the system to aid foreigners into Sabah.

KOTA KINABALU: Syndicates within the government working to bring in, protect and facilitate the issuance of citizenship documents to illegal immigrants must be flushed out, a Sabah Barisan Nasional coalition partner warned.

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) welcomed a police investigation into allegations that rogue elements within the government, police force and the security services may be responsible for the influx of illegal immigrants into Sabah.

PBS secretary general, Henrynus Amin, said allegations of illegal syndicates operating with impunity is not new and praised the Sabah police chief for publicly ordering a swift internal investigation.

“PBS expects an indepth and wider probe on individuals, government agencies and departments, etc. suspected to be involved in the illegal syndicates,” said Henrynus.

PBS reiterated its ultimatum to the federal government to resolve the problem of hundreds of thousands of foreigners from neighbouring countries claiming to own Malaysian citizenship and taking part in elections.

PBS leader Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who is also the state deputy chief minister, first issued the ultimatum to the federal authorities more than a year ago.

Police accused of masterminding influx

Fellow Sabah BN partner, Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS), threw its support behind PBS and called for an investigation into the syndicates operating to bring in foreigners for a fee.

Its information chief Johnson Tee praised the police for their assurance that they would probe the allegations that some in the police force are greasing the entry of illegal immigrants into the state.

“It is relief to get an assurance that action will be taken on any police personnel if they are found to be involved in bringing in
illegal immigrants,” said Tee.

Tee said PBRS is concerned over a report quoting Persatuan Keluarga Karanan Liwan Sabah president, Masmin Kadad, who accused the police of masterminding the influx of illegal immigrants into Sabah.

Masmin had alleged that officers were paid up to RM350 to ensure each illegal entered Sabah safely. - FMT