KENINGAU: Community leaders and non-governmental organisation (NGO) representatives in Sabah, particularly in the Interior region, have welcomed and supported the Sabah State Government’s decision to postpone the implementation of the Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) in the State.
Biou Suyan, who is the Kemabong District Chief, said the move was necessary to defend Sabah’s autonomous rights, especially concerning immigration powers as enshrined under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
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He said the decision was important to ensure Sabah’s special position continued to be respected in line with the spirit of the formation of Malaysia and the provisions agreed upon since the establishment of the country.
He added that Sabah’s immigration autonomy was a special state right that must be safeguarded and could not be ignored in the implementation of any federal policy.
“Any policy involving border control and immigration matters in Sabah must take into account Sabah’s rights and position as provided under MA63 and the Federal Constitution,” he said when commenting on the statement by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Biou stressed that the people of Sabah had always hoped that the state’s rights, including immigration autonomy, would continue to be defended in order to protect the interests and sovereignty of the state.
At the same time, he called on the Federal and State Governments to continue holding careful and harmonious discussions so that any policy implementation would not affect Sabah’s special rights.
He added that the decision to postpone the implementation of AKPS in Sabah demonstrated the State Government’s commitment to protecting Sabah’s rights and position within the Federation of Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Bingkor Community Welfare Association Chairman Yazid Mohd Hasnan Tawik @ Charles also expressed full support for the Sabah State Government’s decision to defer the implementation of the AKPS policy in the state to safeguard Sabah’s autonomous rights, particularly immigration powers under MA63.
He said the Chief Minister’s statement on the matter was appropriate and justified because Sabah’s immigration autonomy was among the important matters agreed upon during the formation of Malaysia.
Yazid said these rights should not be taken lightly or sidelined in the implementation of any federal policy.
“Any policy implementation involving border control and immigration matters in Sabah must take into consideration Sabah’s special position as provided under MA63 and the Federal Constitution,” he said.
He also stressed that Sabahans hoped the state’s rights, including immigration autonomy, would continue to be respected and defended to safeguard Sabah’s interests and sovereignty.
At the same time, he called on the Federal and State Governments to continue engaging in careful and harmonious discussions for the wellbeing of the people of Sabah.
