TAWAU: The proposal to establish an Indian Consulate in Sabah needs careful consideration involving both the State and Federal Governments before any decision is made.
Sabah Assistant Minister for Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing, Datuk Rina Jainal, noted the matter is not solely a state-level decision, as it falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government and requires careful examination.
“Let the state and federal leadership consider this matter carefully,” she said.
She added that any announcement affecting the state’s interests should follow a clear and coordinated communication process to avoid misunderstandings or public controversy, particularly in Sabah.
She said any decision must consider the sensitivities of Sabah’s multi-ethnic society, which is renowned for its unity and harmony.
Rina, who is also Kukusan Assemblywoman, said the proposal should be evaluated for its long-term impact on the state, including social, economic and inter-ethnic relations.
She acknowledged the proposal has generated varied public reactions, including negative views on social media questioning the need given the small Indian population in Sabah compared with other states in Malaysia. Nevertheless, she said minority groups cannot be sidelined in the state’s development.
“Although the Indian community in Sabah is a minority, their presence remains significant in shaping the state’s cultural diversity.
“Even in Tawau, there is a Hindu temple in Kukusan along Jalan Utara as a place of worship for the Indian community. This shows we always respect and acknowledge the presence of every community.”
Sharing similar sentiment, Keningau MP Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said Sabah also does not require Indian workers as the state already has sufficient foreign workers from Indonesia and the Philippines who speak Bahasa Malaysia.
“Therefore, we do not support the establishment of an Indian Consulate in Sabah. We need a Philippine Consulate, not an Indian Consulate,” he said.
Prime Minister Datuk Anwar Ibrahim expressed support for India’s plan to open a consulate in Kota Kinabalu during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Feb. 8.
The proposed consulate is expected to facilitate trade, investment, planning, education and cultural exchanges, as well as strengthen support for the Indian community and businesses operating in the surrounding territory.
A Philippine consulate is viewed as more urgent due to issues involving illegal immigrants, cross-border matters and the need for consular services for Filipino citizens in Sabah.
Some users questioned whether the Sabah Government was consulted.
Others said any move to enhance economic ties with India must clearly benefit the people of Sabah.
Jeffrey proposed that Anwar engage with the Philippine President to establish a Philippine consulate in Sabah, in view of the large and increasing number of Philippine citizens in the state, excluding those who are stateless but originate from the country.
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