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KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is not fit to receive any more refugees, seeing that its existing issue of stateless people has yet to be resolved, says former assemblyman Datuk James Ligunjang.
The Sabah rights activist said that the state has long struggled with the presence of refugees and undocumented migrants, especially from neighbouring countries.
“Effectively addressing the issue of refugees and illegal immigration is a complex and sensitive undertaking. Introducing another group of refugees to the existing mix may complicate efforts to manage and resolve the ongoing problems,” he said.
He said this in response to a suggestion published in local press recently by former chief minister Tan Sri Harris Salleh to accept Palestinian refugees into Sabah.
Ligunjang said one key concern is the strain that the influx of more refugees, for example Palestinians, may place on the already limited resources and infrastructure in Sabah.
He said the local population already faces difficulties in accessing basic necessities such as healthcare, education, and housing. Hence, introducing a new group of refugees could intensify the competition for these resources.
Ligunjang then added that it is essential to thoroughly evaluate the potential social, economic, and political implications before deciding to welcome Palestinian refugees into Sabah.
“The presence of a large number of refugees and illegal immigrants from various countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan and India has already created political and social tensions in Sabah,” he said.
“Bringing in Palestinian refugees could amplify these dynamics and exacerbate polarisation within the local population, potentially straining social cohesion,” added Ligunjang.
In Sarawak, some leaders including Works Minister and Kapit MP Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the state need not accept any refugees especially those from countries that are noted for violence and torn by anger and hatred.
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