Dexter Chin: Sabah Temporary Pass is actually a "lifetime permit

According to the plan proposed in Parliament by the Deputy Home Minister, the Sabah Temporary Pass (Pass Sementara Sabah, PSS) is not as "temporary" as its name is, but more likely to be a lifetime permit.

The deputy minister mentioned in the parliament that the three-year PSS will be allowed to be renewed 10 times, 20 times, 30 times, or even 100 years.

The Philippines, through its embassy in Kuala Lumpur, issued a statement in response to the statement of the deputy minister, stating that Filipinos who are holding IMM13 in Sabah can apply for Filipino birth certs, identity cards and passports with their IMM13.

To pave the way for the Sabah Temporary Pass (PSS), Datuk Aziz claimed the Philippines does not accept the repatriation of the IMM13 holders, but the Philippine embassy issued statement to deny it.

Our government plans to issues PSS to IMM13 holders for only RM40 per year, which seems like having a gala sale retain these Filipinos and prevent them from returning to their country of origin.

The  ultimate purpose of PSS is not intended to repatriate foreigners staying in Sabah. It seems more like to provide convenience for them to settle in Sabah more securely and cheaply.

The various socio-economic problems that are facing by Sabah today, are mainly due to the well-known Project IC and illegal immigration problems which changed the demography of Sabah. The introduction of PSS will then make these problems even worse.

In addition, Aziz also personally requested to legalize illegal squatters, designate an island to accommodate foreigners, build houses for foreigners, etc., which is definitely upside down, neglecting the feelings and benefits of Original Sabahans.

The government came out with various unfounded excuses and disavowed responsibility: "The Philippines does not accept its citizens who residing in Sabah", "PSS is solution proposed by RCI report", and even accused "PSS was formulated by the previous government". Desperately wanting to implement PSS, the hidden agenda has becoming obvious.

"Original Sabahans" with legal status must not allow the government to act in such a way that it will make the existing demographic, economic, and social issues worse.


Dexter Chin
Sabah Progressive Party Deputy Youth Chief