Sabah BN can't yet commit to 'special IC' plan

Sabah BN is as yet unable to commit to the re-issuance of identity cards (IC) for Sabahans to address the illegal immigration issue, but will instead implement any recommendations by the ongoing Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI).

"This issue has been discussed among component members. (Upko president) Bernard Dompok (right) has expressed (support) for this issue and we have supported it. 

“This needs to be discussed, to go through the process," PBS president Joseph Pairin Kitingan told reporters after the launch of the Sabah BN manifesto today.

The manifesto, launched by state BN chief Musa Aman, placed the issue of illegal immigrants at the top of the election pledges.

"(We give) our commitment to implement all recommendations of the RCI based on the findings on their probe on the illegal immigrants issue," Musa said in his speech at the Umno headquarters in Karamunsing today.

He, however, refused to elaborate when asked, merely directing reporters to the single sentence in the 16-point manifesto.

Pairin (left) said the fact that a RCI was set up in the first place shows that the BN, and especially Sabah BN component parties, are serious about the issue.

"We are here to resolve the problem," he said.

He said the BN has a track record at both state and federal level and voters can use this to measure its trustworthiness.

".... there is nothing to see on the other side, just words, promise and leaflets. The opposition's words cannot be trusted. In out hearts, our intention is to tune in, so we can synchronise properly with the federal government," he said.

While all political parties in Sabah have raised the issue, the most vocal are Star and SAPP, with the latter having gone to town campaigning for a special Sabah IC for genuine recipients.

‘Plus, minus’ effect

On a separate matter, Pairin told reporters that the departure of PBS supreme council member Jornah Mohirim is unlikely to affect BN's chances in the Matunggong state seat.

"Reports on the ground say it will not but in these situations, when people leave, he or she will take along his or her supporters. This happens every time there is an election, so minus here and plus there," he said.

He was commenting on the dissolution of four PBS branches in Matunggong.

He also advised all to not follow Jornah’s lead, and to prove that their struggle is not for position or candidacy, but for the people.

Jornah had accused Pairin of being a 'yes man' to PBS Number Two Maximus Ongkili, resulting in her allegedly being dropped as the candidate for Matunggong at the last minute despite getting BN chief Najib Abdul Razak's endorsement.

In 2004, Jornah had won the seat which is located in the Kota Marudu parliamentary seat, which will be defended by Maximus in the upcoming election on May 5.