Sunday August 12, 2012

Sabah BN hails RCI move

KOTA KINABALU: There were smiles among Sabah Barisan Nasional leaders after the Prime Minister's announcement of the much-awaited Royal Commission of Inquiry into the illegal immigrants issue.

The leaders left the one-hour meeting expressing their satisfaction with the composition of the five-man panel and the eight-point terms of reference for one of Sabah's longest standing problems.

The overall feeling among the eight-member Sabah Barisan leaders was that they got what they wanted to find solutions to an issue, which had affected social, economic, and security matters for nearly 40 years.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said Sabahans were appreciative of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's attentiveness over the broad terms of reference for the RCI.

“We believe that terms are all encompassing, fair and transparent,” said Musa, who is also Sabah Umno and Sabah Barisan chairman.

Musa said the RCI also proved that the Barisan Government under the leadership of Najib listened to the calls and needs of people in the state and responded to them accordingly.

“His leadership is not merely about lip service.

“He walks the talk and fulfils what he promises,” he said.

Upko president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said the Prime Minister had the guts to tackle the issue and the RCI was an important step towards resolving the problem.

Parti Bersatu Sabah president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said he was confident that the people would support the RCI.

“I believe the government will do its best to carry out its responsibilities through the RCI's objectives.

“We will do our part in making the RCI a success,” he said.

Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said his party was happy with the terms of reference.

Liberal Democratic Party president Datuk V.K. Liew said the panel had massive work ahead for the next six months and believed that even if the general election was called the RCI would not be affected as the members had specific tasks to do.

Opposition Sabah Progressive party president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said he would like to see how the panel approached the involvement of executive, government officers and operators in changing the political demography of Sabah.

He said SAPP would provide its input to the panel.

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