KOTA KINABALU: The state government will not go ahead with the implementation of the Sabah Temporary Pass (PSS) following objection from the people and the recent Kimanis by-election result.
In announcing this, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the decision was made after chairing a cabinet meeting today.
"We have decided that the PSS be scrapped after listening to the people not just in Kimanis but the state also. It's proven that the rakyat do not want it.
"We, in the state cabinet, will inform the Home Ministry to terminate the implementation of PSS, which is scheduled this June," he said in a press conference here.
To a question whether there would be other recommendations to replace PSS, Shafie said that would be up to the Home Ministry to decide.
He gave assurance that the state government would continue its responsibility to the best of its ability with regards to management of illegal immigrants to ensure the problem will not jeopardise security as well as the environment.
When asked on the state government's next step, Shafie said he would go to Kuala Lumpur next week to discuss with the Home Ministry.
"This is not a decision a single person can make. At the state cabinet level, we listen to the people, especially at the Kimanis parliament level, there's a clear signal from the Kadazandusun Murut (KDM) that we should not take it lightly," he noted.
He added that the biggest concern was their fear that the PSS document would enable foreigners to obtain identification cards (IC).
"At the state level, it is our view that it has to be terminated. We will bring this up because the state government cannot terminate it but the Home Ministry can," he said.
Shafie, who is also president of Parti Warisan Sabah (Warisan) reiterated the Warisan-led state government would continue to serve the Kimanis parliament constituency although the party lost the by-election.
"As the president, we will take charge and continue our service to the people not only in Kimanis but throughout Sabah, regardless of their ethnic and racial background," he said.