KOTA KINABALU: The decision by Parti Warisan Sabah to scrap plans to introduce the Sabah Temporary Pass (PSS) is a victory for Sabahans.
Opposition Parti Bersatu Sabah’s (PBS) president Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said the party had said over and over that the proposed document was destructive to Sabah's sovereignty, security and people's livelihood.
"There are better ways to resolve the illegal immigrant problems than resorting to PSS. We commend Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal for respecting the voices of Kimanis voters, PBS and other opposition parties, as well as the people of Sabah.
"We hope and pray they will honour this decision because the Pakatan Harapan-Warisan governments are famous for U-turns," he said, adding PBS would continue to fight and speak up to ensure that the ruling government will honour their words.
This afternoon, Mohd Shafie announced that the state cabinet agreed to halt the implementation of PSS originally scheduled in June.
The state government had last year proposed PSS for documentation of about 100,000 illegal immigrants in Sabah. The pass holders will enjoy privileges such as access to employment, banking services, healthcare and education.
Mohd Shafie had said the state would also inform the Home Ministry of the decision.
Persatuan Murut Sabah president Datuk Rubin Balang also commended the state government's decision on the PSS.
"PSS had received objections from many and should be scrapped.
"The decision to cancel PSS showed that the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal is a 'gentleman' leader who listens to people's voices," he said in a statement.
Rubin added the just concluded Kimanis parliamentary by-election won by Barisan Nasional was a clear message from voters that they did not want PSS to be implemented.
"The state government needs to take stern action on illegal immigrants in Sabah.
"The people and Persatuan Murut Sabah want Sabah government to deport them back to their country of origin."
Meanwhile, Sabah Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Armada chief Mohd Isquzawan Israq Arsit said the decision to scrap the PSS plan shows the state government listens to its people.
He said the decision was in line with Sabah Bersatu's stand that urged the government to re-study plan to issue PSS to foreigners.
"The state and federal governments must listen to the rakyat on this matter. They want illegal immigrants to be deported.
"If the immigrants want to work in Sabah, they need to produce a valid document that is processed and issued by their country," he said.
Isquzawan also welcomed Shafie's assurance that the Warisan-led government would continue to channel assistance to Kimanis constituents as promised.