Not Sabah RCI’s role to punish wrongdoers, says Dompok

The RCI will probe allegations of foreigners in Sabah being given citizenships in return for electoral support. — File pic

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 13 — The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrant problems in Sabah might not have the legal clout to determine what judgment can be meted against the culprits as suggested by certain leaders in the state, said United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok.

“I think that is the province of the court. It is not for the RCI to go into that area. They (RCI panel members) probably can recommend the sort of action the government should take but to mete out punishment is beyond their jurisdiction,” he said.

Dompok, who is also primary industries and commodities minister, was asked to comment on the call by certain leaders that the terms of reference (TOR) of the RCI should include determination of judgment and punishment against the culprits.

He said the TOR of the RCI should not be politicised as its intention was noble, to address the issue of the illegal immigrants in Sabah once and for all.

“I think the TOR is wide enough to allow for investigation on the scale we want to ensure everything is covered,” he told reporters after attending the presentation of certificates to the second batch of graduates of the Institute of Malaysian Plantations and Commodities (IMPAC), here today.

In announcing the TOR of RCI in Kota Kinabalu last Saturday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had said that the panel, to be chaired by former Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Steve Shim Lip Kiong, would be given six months to complete its investigation on the influx of illegal immigrants in Sabah. — Bernama