By Daniel John Jambun, President Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo)
KOTA KINABALU: Borneo’s Plight in Malaysia Foundation (BoPiMaFo) takes note of the statement by Mustapha Sakmud calling for a careful review of the petition concerning IMM13 holders.
With respect, BoPiMaFo believes that Sabah does not suffer from a lack of studies.
Sabah suffers from a lack of implementation.
THE RCI WAS THE STUDY
The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on Illegal Immigrants in Sabah was established precisely because the issue was of immense national importance.
It spent years gathering evidence, hearing witnesses, examining documents and assessing the historical, legal, administrative and security dimensions of illegal immigration and related documentation in Sabah.
The RCI then produced findings and recommendations.
If another “study” is now required, Sabahans are entitled to ask:
What exactly has happened to the work already undertaken by the RCI?
THE REAL ISSUE IS IMPLEMENTATION
The central question is no longer whether further reviews are needed.
The real question is:
Why have key RCI recommendations not been fully implemented despite the passage of many years?
Every delay has consequences.
While discussions continue, Sabah continues to face concerns over demographic changes, border management, public confidence, national security, pressure on public services and the integrity of citizenship administration.
These are not hypothetical issues.
They affect the daily lives and future of Sabahans.
TRANSPARENCY IS ESSENTIAL
If the Government believes that certain RCI recommendations cannot be implemented due to constitutional constraints, humanitarian obligations or international commitments, it should explain this openly to the people.
Likewise, if there are unique legal considerations concerning IMM13 holders, these should be addressed transparently and in accordance with the law.
However, broad calls for further studies must not become a substitute for decisive action.
SABAHANS DESERVE AN ACCOUNT
BoPiMaFo respectfully calls upon the Federal Government to publish a comprehensive status report identifying:
Which RCI recommendations have been implemented;
Which recommendations remain outstanding;
Which recommendations have been rejected or modified;
The reasons for any delay or non-implementation; and
A clear timeline for completing the remaining measures.
ACTION, NOT ANOTHER CYCLE OF DELAY
Royal Commissions of Inquiry are established to investigate difficult issues and recommend practical solutions.
If their findings are continually postponed in favour of additional reviews and studies, public confidence in the process will inevitably diminish.
BoPiMaFo therefore respectfully urges Datuk Mustapha Sakmud and the Federal Government to shift the national conversation away from conducting yet another study and towards implementing the recommendations that have already been made.
Sabah has waited long enough.
The people deserve action, accountability and measurable results—not another cycle of delay disguised as consultation.
