Eric: No political will of government on illegals

Kota Kinabalu, Nov 28, 2009: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) Deputy President Datuk Eric Majimbun is amazed by sudden interest and strong reaction of certain people when it comes to determining an individual's bumi status and pressing for a police probe.

"Political leaders in the present government seem trying to divert our attention to more serious and severe problems such as the illegal immigrants numbering hundreds of thousands whom the federal government granted citizenship with Mykad, better treatment, getting government facilities free of charge, living on state government land and untouched.

"Worst of all, our rural as well as urban Sabahans have to compete with these foreigners, so-called 'Malaysians', who are now sitting comfortably inside the state administration, some as teachers and some perhaps are engaged in the government enforcement departments.

"The incredible increase in Sabah's population of 10 percent yearly is a heavy burden to shoulder compared to the national population growth of only 3 percent and this is something we need to think about.

"It also seems that some political leaders are questioning the state law especially CAP 64, of Interpretation (Definition of Native) Ordinance. Yet the state government has no political will to amend the mentioned ordinance, the issuance of native certificates since frozen in early 1984 has deprived the right of our genuine sons of soil as anak negeri of our young generation.

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"This is a blow to the state government," said Majimbun. "The integrity of the Native Court should be protected. It seems that some politicians are questioning the law."

The Native Court system has in recent years also been increasingly denied jurisdiction over matters that fall within the purview of the Syariah and Civil Courts. The issue seems to be the district and native chiefs not possessing even some basic legal background.

The administration of the Native Court system existed long before the advent of British North Borneo Chartered Company and colonial rule. It was recognized by the British Government. No advocate was allowed to represent the respondents before the Native Court Enactment 1992. Since the 1992 Enactment, lawyers are allowed to represent their clients in the Native Court of Appeal.