Likas rep calls for firm action over alleged IC issuance to foreigners in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU (April 5): The Ministry of Home Affairs has been urged to take firm and transparent action over issues linked to the alleged issuance of identity cards to foreigners, following renewed attention on the findings of the 2013 Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrants in Sabah.

In making this call, Likas assemblyman Tham Yun Fook said he viewed seriously remarks by Dr Chong Eng Leong, which highlighted longstanding concerns over the alleged issuance of “blue identity cards” to non-citizens through questionable means.

“I urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to take the RCI findings fully seriously and not underestimate the significant implications for the rule of law and the integrity of the country’s electoral system,” he said in a statement.

Tham stressed that all cases involving the use of statutory declarations and “late registration” processes – particularly those carried out without verification by the Magistrate’s Court – must be thoroughly reviewed.

“The Ministry must ensure that all such cases are examined in a thorough, transparent and accountable manner.

“Immediate and strict action must be taken against any party involved in the unlawful issuance of identification documents,” he said.

He also called for a comprehensive effort to address the issue of so-called “phantom voters”, especially individuals who may have obtained Malaysian identity cards through dubious channels.

“The national voter register cannot continue to be tainted by ineligible individuals, as this undermines the foundation of democracy and the legitimate rights of Sabahans,” he said.

Tham noted that the introduction of the new MyKad system presents an opportunity for the government to implement wide-ranging reforms to strengthen the integrity of both identification and electoral systems.

“In the context of the new MyKad, this is the best opportunity for the government, particularly through the Ministry of Home Affairs, to undertake comprehensive reforms and ensure that only legitimate citizens are recognised as voters,” he said.

He emphasised that transparency, accountability and political will are crucial to prevent a recurrence of such issues and to restore public confidence.

“Transparency, accountability and political courage are essential to ensure that this issue does not recur, in order to safeguard national sovereignty and restore the confidence of Sabahans in government institutions,” he said.