Legitimise only illegal foreign workers, not immigrants, says Kitingan

The Sabah Immigration Department has started a five-month programme to register illegal workers and their families in the plantation and agriculture sectors.

KOTA KINABALU: The opposition Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) has welcomed the move to legitimise illegal workers in Sabah but warned that illegal foreign immigrants may cash in on the programme.

On Monday, the Sabah Immigration Department announced that it had begun a five-month programme to register illegal workers and their families in the plantation and agriculture sectors.

STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan said although he had no problem with legitimising illegal foreign workers in the state, he was concerned the exercise could easily be abused by illegal immigrants.

“We cannot legalise illegal immigrants who do not have any documents. That would be breaking the law.

“To regularise them, you need the assistance of the embassies or consulates of the home countries of the illegal immigrants,” he told FMT.

PPBM’s entry into Sabah

Commenting on PPBM’s imminent entry into Sabah, Kitingan said there was nothing wrong with former Sabah Umno elected representatives joining any political party.

“We cannot oppose or stop any party coming here despite our policy not to encourage parties from outside Sabah entering the state.

“As it is, they are already here — PKR, DAP, Amanah and PAS.

“There is nothing wrong with PPBM coming here if there is support.

“What is important is that we must unite to fight for our rights,” he said. - FMT