Dear Editor,
AS WE reflect on the current
immigration debate in Sabah, one should remember the horrors of the Mindanao
conflict in the southern Philippines, and acknowledge that a significant
portion of the migrants who arrived in Sabah were doing so for their own
safety, to escape a protracted and bloody conflict that could have easily taken
their lives.
Sabah’s issue is a
complicated one, with many components. For more than three decades, the
issuance of Malaysian identity has been a core issue of importance to those in
Sabah. Despite the fact that many migrants have filled positions that local
worker do not seek, there is an undeniable animosity between Sabahans and the
migrant community.
As the Royal Commission of
Inquiry continues its investigation, several witness accounts have already
contradicted one another. Getting a clear picture of the situation is what is
most important, although many will draw their own conclusions and falsely
implicate concerned individuals.
Due to laws currently in
place in Malaysia, if migrants had not been granted some form of residency,
they would be unable to legally work and send their children to school. Many
are concerned that an influx of migrants would inevitably lead to higher rates
of crime committed by foreigners.
One would assume that by
providing alternative passageways for people to legally reside in Sabah, to
educate their children, and to earn a livelihood, the likelihood of those
individuals taking part in violent crime would decrease.
The main issue still at the
forefront is whether previous administrations granted citizenship status to
migrants in exchange for a vote at the ballot box. In pursuing the truth, the
Royal Commission of Inquiry must act accordingly if they discover that
decisions were made outside the boundaries of the law.
If crimes were indeed
committed, the current administration would gain much credibility by
identifying the perpetrators and putting the people of Sabah at ease.
Best Regards,
TANAK KAMPUNG
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