ELECTIONS CAN BE HELD BEFORE RCI FINDINGS

LABUAN: The general elections could be held even before the conclusion of the Royal Commission of Inquiry's (RCI) findings because the elections and RCI's work are two separate matters.

The RCI was not to deal with aspects to elections.

Elections are about registered voters, and if there are suspensions that the electoral rolls are spiked with illegal voters, it would take time to remove the names.

"Candidates had the recourse to take a court ruling on the elections in their constituency as this was done before.

Deputy President of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said this when asked whether it mattered if the elections were held when the RCI had not concluded its investigations into the large presence of immigrants with documents in Sabah.

"My opinion is that it does not matter. Calling for elections is the prerogative of the Prime Minister, who can call it anytime from now since the expiry of the term is April next year."

Maximus was here on a short visit to PBS leaders and also to inspect the innovation project held jointly by his Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and the National Unity Department.

On RCI, Maximus said the panel which had been given six months to finish the job would have open sessions in all districts in Sabah, including Labuan where there was a large presence of immigrants.

He said the six-month period given was short but it reflected how serious the Government was to get feedback of the matter and make its recommendations.

"The commissioners had to do its work and do it well.

The Terms of Reference is comprehensive and will go to the root of the problem. It will focus on how the immigrants, after a short stay, could obtain blue IC, Citizenship and Permanent Resident status and the procedures and process used in obtaining such documents," said Maximus.

He said after the Government had got the date it would be able to draw conclusion on whether the issuance of the documents complied with standard and set process and procedures.

He added if flaws or shortcomings were detected, such elements would be removed. RCI would not identify the parties involved but they could be traced through their service records and it would be up to the Government or the Attorney General to act further.

On former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad being not in favour of the RCI, Maximus said Dr Mahathir gave a simplistic answer to brush aside the RCI proposal. (Dr Mahathir had said that those given the citizenship in Sabah had stayed long and could speak the national language).

Maximus said in Australia and New Zealand a citizenship applicant had to pass the language test and the procedures were open and transparent.

Only if the authority was satisfied the applicant was qualified and public session is held for the new citizen to pledge loyalty to the national flag.

In Malaysia, we don't have such a ceremony and people are asking how come immigrants with short stay can become citizens," he said.

Maximus said in this matter Najib did not listen to Dr Mahathir but listened to the people of Sabah and everyone is glad the RCI had been established. (DE)