KOTA KINABALU: The best way to resolve the illegal immigrants issue in the state is by introducing Sabah IC, said Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Sabah Star) president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
He said the Sabah IC should have been introduced a long time ago as recommended by the Royal Commission of Inquiry in regards to illegal immigrants in Sabah.
"I applaud the government's effort to locate and issue identification cards to undocumented indigenous peoples in Sabah. We are well aware that our indigenous people lack legal documentation.
"There are several reasons for this, such as the communities live in inaccessible areas and face difficulties registering their children's births.
"We have heard of people making the lengthy trek to town to register their children only to be turned away or required to pay hefty fine for late registration charges.
He said most of the people eventually gave up trying to obtain birth certificates for their children due to poverty.
"Several generations later, despite being natives of this land, their offspring found themselves stateless. They couldn't vote, go to school, own land, get a job or enjoy many other privileges many of us take for granted.
"In the meantime, illegal immigrants who have just arrived in Sabah got MyKads through dubious channels. They are free to open shops, take our jobs and even buy properties here," he said.
Kitingan who is also Sabah deputy chief minister said the recommendation of Sabah IC would not be a replacement for MyKad, but to defend and protect their rights to vote, regardless of race and religion.
The Sabah IC, he said, would be in digital format where vital information is kept.