Pic – Seated at thr centre is Datuk Dominic Putucheary, KJ John (left) and Gundohing Daniel John (right)
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 remarks by Louise Aubin, the UNHCR Representative in Malaysia, that refugees must respect Malaysian laws in exchange for protection.
BoPiMaFo agrees that every person residing in Malaysia, regardless of status, must respect the laws of the country and comply with its legal framework.
However, while discussions concerning Rohingya refugees are important, they must not overshadow or divert attention from Sabah’s own long-standing and unresolved illegal immigration crisis.
SECURITY WAS A FUNDAMENTAL PROMISE OF MALAYSIA
It is important to remember that Sabah and Sarawak agreed to the formation of Malaysia in 1963 on the understanding that the Federation would provide security, stability and shared economic development.
These were not secondary considerations—they were among the fundamental assurances upon which the Federation was established.
For many Sabahans, the continued persistence of large-scale illegal immigration raises legitimate concerns as to whether those foundational expectations have been fully realised.
Border security, effective immigration enforcement and the integrity of population records are not merely administrative matters; they are central to the promises that underpinned the formation of Malaysia.
SABAH HAS BORNE THE CONSEQUENCES FOR DECADES
For decades, Sabah has experienced the social, economic and security implications associated with prolonged irregular migration and inadequate enforcement.
These challenges have placed pressure on public services and infrastructure, affected labour markets, raised concerns regarding demographic changes and undermined public confidence in governance.
The people of Sabah deserve durable and effective solutions based on the rule of law and sound public policy.
THE RCI HAS ALREADY PROVIDED A ROADMAP
The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on Illegal Immigrants in Sabah undertook a comprehensive investigation into these issues and produced detailed findings and recommendations after hearing extensive evidence.
The challenge facing Sabah today is not a lack of studies or reports.
The challenge is ensuring that appropriate measures are implemented effectively, transparently and consistently.
HUMANITARIAN VALUES AND NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY MUST GO HAND IN HAND
BoPiMaFo recognises that genuine refugees and asylum seekers may require humanitarian protection in accordance with applicable legal and policy frameworks.
At the same time, Malaysia has a sovereign responsibility to maintain secure borders, enforce its immigration laws, preserve the integrity of its documentation systems and ensure that immigration policies are administered fairly and consistently.
Humanitarian compassion and the rule of law are complementary principles and should advance together.
SECURITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ARE CLOSELY LINKED
The promises of security and economic development cannot be separated.
Persistent illegal immigration has implications for employment opportunities, public finances, education, healthcare, housing and social cohesion.
A secure and well-managed immigration system is therefore essential not only for public safety but also for sustainable economic development and the long-term well-being of Sabahans.
CONCLUSION
The current debate on refugees should not obscure Sabah’s own unresolved immigration challenges.
BoPiMaFo respectfully calls upon the Federal Government to treat the issue of illegal immigration in Sabah as a matter of national importance and to implement effective, lawful and transparent measures that safeguard security, uphold the rule of law and protect the legitimate interests of the people of Sabah.
By doing so, Malaysia would reaffirm the foundational commitments of security and economic development that encouraged Sabah and Sarawak to join in the formation of the Federation in 1963 and strengthen public confidence in those commitments for future generations.
