style="text-transform: uppercase;">Kota Kinabalu: United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Organisaiton (Upko) insists that the freeze on the issuance of native certificates – imposed by the then Berjaya Government due to rampant abuse in 1982 – must continue."The freeze must stay until a fool proof system and procedures are in place. This is to prevent abuse and corruption, among others," stressed Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau (pic).

"Safety wise, we should use digital technology, and whatever other technologies available for the good of all," he said in a statement.

The Upko President was asked to comment on newspaper reports quoting Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong who urged the State Government to review the freeze.

"The certificate was introduced for specific purposes. But somehow it was manipulated and abused. Yes, there certainly is a need for it but let's take whatever time needed to ensure its reintroduction will be fool proof. That's our prayer," said Tangau.

He said he would do his level best to ensure those who deserved such certificate were not left out from the mainstream of development.

"This new government is a government for all Malaysians in Sabah. We will strive to give what's due to the people," he added.

Currently those born after 1982 and needing to confirm their Bumiputra status can easily get it done by producing the relevant birth or death certificates of their parents to the district Native Court for verification, which would then issue a Letter of Confirmation.

Sabah Sino KDM Association President Datuk Johnny Goh had said that Sinos had existed before the formation of Malaysia and that prior to the freeze they had no problem in getting the status.

Meanwhile, the State Law and Native Affairs Ministry would study whether there is a need to re-empower village chiefs to sign land application forms and certify land applicants as natives.

Its minister Datuk Aidi Mokthar told the State Assembly on Wednesday that his Ministry would be discussing the matter with the Land and Survey Department.

"My ministry will first have to study and discuss with the department as to what extent is the need for village chiefs to have the power to sign land application forms and to certify land applicants as a native," he said in reply to a question from Bingkor Assemblyman Robert Tawik.

Aidi informed that as of now, land application process falls under the jurisdiction of the Land and Survey Department.

Photo Source: Bernama