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 recent statement by Home Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, acknowledging that effective refugee management requires accurate data and proposing the use of biometric registration.
We agree with one fundamental principle:
No government can effectively manage what it does not know.
Accurate records, proper identification and reliable biometric systems can strengthen national security, improve public administration and reduce fraud.
However, data collection alone is not a solution.
SABAH’S EXPERIENCE REQUIRES GREATER ASSURANCE
For Sabahans, issues relating to undocumented migration are not merely theoretical or administrative.
They have significant implications for public confidence, security, social services, demographic integrity and the rule of law.
As such, any initiative involving the registration of refugees or undocumented persons must be accompanied by clear policies and transparent safeguards.
REGISTRATION MUST NOT BECOME REGULARISATION
BoPiMaFo emphasises that biometric registration should serve the purpose of identification and management.
It must not be misunderstood or allowed to evolve into an indirect pathway towards permanent residence, citizenship or voting rights unless expressly provided for under the law and the Constitution through proper legal processes.
Maintaining this distinction is essential to preserving public trust.
IMPLEMENTATION IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS DATA
The real question is not simply who is being registered.
The more important questions are:
What legal status will registered individuals have?
How will the information be used?
What enforcement measures will follow?
How will abuse or identity fraud be prevented?
What safeguards exist to ensure that registration does not undermine Sabah’s demographic integrity or constitutional protections?
Without clear answers, collecting data alone will not resolve longstanding concerns.
LESSONS FROM THE RCI SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED
The findings and recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry on Illegal Immigrants in Sabah remain highly relevant.
Sabah has already undergone an extensive national inquiry into issues relating to illegal immigration and documentation.
The priority should therefore be to ensure that existing recommendations are implemented effectively, rather than treating data collection as a substitute for comprehensive policy action.
ACCOUNTABILITY BUILDS CONFIDENCE
BoPiMaFo supports policies that are lawful, transparent and evidence-based.
Good governance requires not only accurate information but also accountability, consistent enforcement and respect for the rights and legitimate concerns of the people of Sabah.
Knowing who is here is only the first step.
The greater responsibility is ensuring that the information is used to uphold the rule of law, protect national security and preserve the constitutional rights and interests of Sabah and its people.
