RCI report: There was no 'Project IC' in Sabah

The RCI report, however, stated that there was no ‘Project IC’ as alleged earlier.

Statistics from 1996 to 2000 showed that a total of 457,850 Indonesians entering the state but only 228,366 returned home.

During that period, it was recorded that 210,910 Filipinos entered the country but only 199,169 returned home.

The 368-page report also stated that the foreigners chose to stay longer in the state because of their jobs, social and economic reasons.

The report also noted that the Indonesians and Filipinos who entered the country with a social visa or a temporary pass ended up staying in the state longer than the allowed period and eventually became illegal immigrants.

The report also suggested setting up a permanent management committee on immigrants and foreigners, headed by an independent professional with integrity.

The RCI was set up on Aug 11, 2012 and chaired by former Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Steve Shim.

The proceedings began in January 2013 with Manoj Kurup, Datuk Azmi Ariffin and Jamil Aripin of the Attorney-General's Chambers appointed as conducting officers to assist the commission in questioning the witnesses.

The RCI recorded statements from 361 people and collected 177 exhibits during the proceedings.

The report, priced at RM10, will be available to the public at Sabah Federal Administration building in Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and the One Stop Centre at Home Ministry in Putrajaya..