Influx of illegals a national issue, needs concerted efforts to solve

The influx of illegal immigrants into Sabah is a national issue which needs concerted efforts to solve it, said Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.

He said the issue of illegals in the state was also the biggest and most complex which required the cooperation of all parties concerned to analyse and thence overcome it.

"I thank Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for his concern towards solving this problem by setting up a special body, the Royal Commission of Inquiry on the problem of illegals in Sabah to study it and propose solutions," he said this in his policy speech at the PBRS triennial conference yesterday.

The conference was opened by the prime minister, with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman also present.

Kurup, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, said the issue of illegals should be resolved fast as it gave rise to social and economic divide, besides dissatisfaction among locals towards the illegals.

He said PBRS' stand and struggle in this matter as well as the Sabah people's were clear by opposing the Project IC.

"We are not against migration to Sabah as long as it is in accordance with the law," he added.