MILF PEACE DEAL WILL SOLVE ILLEGAL IMIGRANT FIASCO

PROUD..... Pairin seems very proud receiving new membership from PBS Bingkor division.

By : ROZIE JUMAT

KENINGAU : PBS welcomes and commended the Malaysian- brokered peace deal between the Philippines Government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to be signed Monday as significant and historic.

PBS President, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, said the peace agreement is a positive and encouraging development as it has direct impact on the ongoing efforts to resolve the perennial problem of illegal immigration in Sabah.

Pairin expressed hope the peace agreement which include the creation of an semi-autonomous region in the Southern Philippines will bring about lasting peace and much needed development to the region.

He said with the signing of the peace deal he expects the arm conflict to cease, peace restored and the political process of resolving conflict begins.

He said, what is important is that peace and economic development in the Southern Philippines should provide conducive environment for resolving the illegal immigration problem in Sabah.

"Peace and development in the Southern Philippines ensure jobs and economic opportunities for the people in the region so there should be no more excuse to justify political or economic refugees heading towards Sabah," he said when closing the PBS annual general meeting of PBS Liawan and PBS Bingkor .

Pairin also appreciated the role played by Malaysia as an honest and impartial broker in ensuring the success of the peace deal.

He said the success of the peace deal between MILF and the Philippine Government shows the firm commitment of the Malaysian Government to improving bilateral ties and ensuring regional peace and security in the region.

"The peace deal is also part of the strategic goals by Malaysia to resolve the refugee as well as the illegal immigration problem in Sabah."

He said Sabahans should be thankful to the PM Datuk Seri Panglima Najib Tun Razak for his personal attention and interest to finally resolve one of the longest conflict in the region which has a significant bearing on solutions to the illegal immigration problem in Sabah.