LAHAD DATU: Parti Warisan Supreme Council member Assaffal P. Alian has welcomed Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor’s decision to defer the implementation of the Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) in Sabah.
Assaffal described the move as a constructive step and called for progressive solutions without setting aside Sabah’s original demands to restore the State’s exclusive rights.
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The Tungku Assemblyman said Sabah did not reject cooperation with the Federal Government, but opposed any form of centralisation of power that eroded the original spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He said Sabah preferred an approach based on shared authority in line with the principle of a sovereign territory rather than political confrontation.
To restore the balance of power under MA63, Assaffal outlined several proposals, including pursuing the restoration of executive powers through a review of amendments made to the Immigration Act, particularly under Act A985 (1997) and Act A1154 (2002).
He said the amendments had gradually shifted appointment and administrative powers from the state level to the Home Ministry and suggested that these changes be reviewed and returned to their original source of authority.
“As an immediate step towards full restoration, I propose that appointments for the Sabah Immigration director be made jointly between the State Government and the Home Ministry to ensure stronger accountability to Sabah’s leadership.
“I also suggest the establishment of a Sabah Border Security Council chaired by the Chief Minister to coordinate immigration enforcement and security agencies, including Esscom and the police.
“With this council, Sabah will be seen as bringing forward an integrated security solution, proving that we are capable of managing our own territorial security without relying entirely on the newly established federal agency,” he said.
Assaffal also proposed expanding the operational capacity of the Sabah Immigration Department through additional coastal radar systems, surveillance drones, patrol boats and biometric technology.
He said strengthening existing state-linked enforcement mechanisms would be more practical than introducing additional federal layers that could complicate operations.
He also highlighted the importance of recruiting more “Anak Sabah” personnel into border enforcement roles, noting their familiarity with local conditions and communities.
Assaffal further proposed the tabling of a White Paper on undocumented migrants and border security to assess broader economic and social impacts, including pressure on wages, employment opportunities and public services.
In addition, he suggested forming a Sabah State Legislative Assembly Select Committee on MA63 and border security so that autonomy-related matters could continue to be formally debated by elected representatives.
He also urged assemblymen, regardless of political affiliation, to work collectively to preserve Sabah’s immigration autonomy and ensure the State’s position within the Federation remained respected.
