Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

Kota Kinabalu: A retired Immigration Officer said opposition to the proposed Indian consulate in Sabah stem from the track record of the estimated one million foreigners in the state today. 

“As a former Immigration Officer, I know from experience that when people come in, not everyone go back. Some will find ways to stay on and we need to be honest about that when making this kind of decisions,” said Jaesman Gipin. 

He said his objection is based on genuine care for the State and its people in view of foreigners both documented and undocumented now making up one third of the state’s population of 3.4 million. 

“I hope the authorities will take the feelings and concerns of ordinary Sabahans into account before making any final decision,” said Gipin, who is Persatuan Kebajikan Tamparuli Chairman.

“There are several things that need to be looked at properly before we move forward with something like this. 

“The number of Indian nationals in Sabah is quite small and most are already Malaysian citizens, so there is really no pressing need,” said Jaesman, who is also Persatuan Kebajikan Prihatin (Pribumi Sabah) Branch Advisor.  

“Sabah already has a very large Filipino community and we need a Philippine consulate to help deal with things like undocumented immigrants and other day-to-day matters,” he said, adding this is where attention should be focused.

“Sabahans are concerned that an Indian consulate could open the door to another large and uncontrolled movement of people into Sabah which could affect the peace and livelihoods of locals,” he said, urging decision-makers to listen to these concerns.

“Besides, the people of Sabah were not asked nor consulted about this. They deserve to have a say in decisions that will affect their home.” 

He said Sabahans who needed to deal with Indian consular matters already had the needed access in the peninsula. 

“If anyone in Sabah needs to sort out something with India, they can always go through the Indian High Commission. There is no need to set up a consulate here,” he said.