Sub judice to comment on RCI early findings, says AG

Attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail said that it is sub judice to comment or draw conclusions from the issues raised during the preliminary proceeding of the royal commission of inquiry (RCI) on Sabah's illegal immigrants.

Berita Harian today quoted him as saying that all quarters should refrain from involving themselves in "trial by media" whether through printed or electronic media.

"Such actions are sub judice," Gani (right) told reporters in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The tenure of the RCI, which is supposed to expire on March 21, has been extended by six months.

Yesterday, RCI secretary Saripuddin Kasim said the extension had been granted by the Agong to allow the RCI to complete its investigations and prepare the report.

The panel for the RCI was appointed on Sept 21 last year, and was given six months to complete its investigations.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 18.

Public hearings began on Jan 21 and thus far, 62 witnesses have testified, with many more scheduled to testify.

The RCI comprises a five-member panel led by former Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, Steve Shim (left).

It has eight terms of reference, including investigating the number of foreigners in Sabah given blue identity cards (ICs); whether such awards had been given according to the law; and if those concerned are on the Sabah electoral roll.

It is also to investigate the sudden rise in Sabah's population, the social implications for the state, and identify the number of stateless foreigners there.