NORIKOH TRAGEDY, SERVE MAXIMUM TERM

TAWAU: Member of parliament Datuk Chua Soon Bui condemned the heartless and senseless murder of 16-year-old Norikoh Saliwah (left) and called for heavy punishment on the perpetrators.

“Such murderers should serve the maximum term, without parole based on the severity of crime committed and they should not be deported to their countries until they have served their full term, life or death penalty,” she said when debating on the International Transfer of Prisoners Bill 2012 tabled by the Home Ministry at the parliament yesterday.

While sympathizing with the family of Norikoh, she called for more efforts by the relevant authorities to check and arrest foreigners who acquired MyKad through dubious means in Sabah.

“Such hideous crimes should serve as a wake-up call for us Malaysian Sabahans that our state should act seriously on the illegal immigrants’ problem and foreigners with dubious MyKads,” she reminded.

“These people are capable of doing anything that we are unable to imagine,” she added.

Chua, who is also Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) vice president, urged the ministry to view every brutal murder case seriously.

Norikoh’s body was thrown by the roadside near Kampung Ranau on Sunday, about 2km from Kota Marudu town. Police have arrested a 40-year-old man in connection with the case.

Meanwhile, SAPP delegation led by Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Deputy President Datuk Eric Majimbun has visited the family of murder victim, 16-year old schoolgirl Norikoh Saliwa in Kg Bombong 1, Kota Marudu yesterday.

Apart from offering sympathies and condolences to the family of the victim, Datuk Eric has also offered for lawyers to be present at the impending inquest as Watching Brief council on behalf of the victim's family.

"We need a thorough investigation by the police. We must ensure that "no stone is left unturned" in solving this case. Rumours going around Kota Marudu town that the victim was raped by Pakistanis must also be looked into by the relevant authorities," Eric said.

"This tragic case serves as a constant reminder of the ever increasing socially related crimes in Sabah. The public, especially the vulnerable young women needs to be protected. Is there a direct relation between the rising crimes and rising number of foreigners in Sabah? If there is, then the relevant authorities need to act immediately.

The group also provided some assistance for the family.

Eric was accompanied by SAPP Youth Chief Edward Dagul, supreme councillor Stephan Gaimin, CLC leaders, Kota Marudu Mudanita Chief, Pathlyn John Mikat and Khau Kha Wei.

Pathlyn who, a month ago had lodged a police report on a Pakistani who holds a dubious Mykad said that the SAPP Mudanita in Kota Marudu will continue to give moral support to the family members and monitor the situation until the matter is resolved. She called on to women to be extra vigilant, especially the young.