Sabah RCI terms of reference in final draft stages, Dewan Rakyat told
KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 — The terms of reference for the royal commission of inquiry (RCI) on the illegal immigrant problem in Sabah are in the final stages of drafting, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong said the terms could not be drawn up in haste as they had to be comprehensive, covering also the claims of citizenship being given to illegal immigrants.
He also said that members of the commission would be appointed from among those who had wide experience and a deep understanding of the illegal immigrant problem in Sabah.
“This is to ensure that the investigation is exhaustive and the recommendations can be implemented effectively.
“As such, the setting up of the commission is no election gimmick,” he said when winding up the debate following the adjournment speech by Datuk Chua Soon Bui (IND-Tawau) on the commission.
Lee said the willingness of the government to set up the commission proved its seriousness in wanting to solve the problem.
Earlier, Chua had asked whether the government was serious about the setting up of the commission or if it was merely an election gimmick.
He said there was a sudden increase in the population of Sabah, the cause of which was unclear.
The house sits again tomorrow. — Bernama
