Putra calls for RCI on citizenship and foreigners

Putra president Ibrahim Ali has called for the formation of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to look into the matter of citizenship and foreigners after the Rohingya issue became a hot topic again recently.

“The government must look into and act thoroughly and inclusively on this issue - not just on the Rohingya - because all (undocumented migrants) are a national threat which must be handled immediately and harshly.

“Putra firmly suggests the formation of an RCI on citizenship and foreigners which is one of Putra’s 10 sacred vows to solve all these problems and also to suggest a policy and take action to clean the country from such filth (kekotoran) as soon as possible,” Ibrahim said in a statement today.

He also stressed that the members of the RCI must be individuals with the highest integrity who are not influenced by any political elements.

Ibrahim said that the recent focus on the issue of the Rohingya people has only highlighted the larger issue of how Malaysia deals with undocumented migrants.

He claimed that Malaysia is one of the easiest countries for undocumented migrants to enter and stay in due to various factors, including corrupt officers who accept bribes.

“Accept the fact that the presence of such uninvited ‘guests’ who are here against the law or through bribery or human trafficking or as refugees will bring calamity to the country.

“It has been happening for a long time that we take care of others while forsake our own (kera di hutan disusukan, anak sendiri mati kelaparan). All this will threaten the safety and security of the country,” he said.

Ibrahim also criticised the suggestion from PAS central committee member Mohd Sanusi Md Nor who had suggested the government give Rohingya refugees temporary citizenship until they return to their country.

Describing it as a suggestion that’s easily thrown out (lidah tidak bertulang), Ibrahim said anything to do with the country’s security cannot be used just for the sake of gaining publicity or political mileage.

“This is a matter of national security. Being tolerant, good and open, there must be a place for it based on the issues and matters raised,” he said. - Mkini