22 January 2020

Press statement by MCA Spokesperson cum MCA Publicity Bureau Chairperson Chan Quin Er


Better late than never

 

The people of Sabah have clearly vocalised their distaste for the Pas Sementara Sabah (PSS) right from the get-go. Unfortunately, the hubris of the ruling government had turned them deaf. It took a disastrous defeat in Kimanis for them to finally take notice of the concerns of native Sabahans.

 

Who could blame the people of Sabah for being so overwrought, remembering as if yesterday the Project IC which was allegedly spearheaded by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad himself, leaving in aftermath a forever altered demography in the Land Below The Wind. So, forgive their scepticism when the new government led by the same Prime Minister suddenly announced yet another analogous plan to legitimise undocumented immigrants.

 

The apprehension towards PSS also stemmed from the mistrust on how the government would handle the biometrics. Many shared the suspicion that PSS was created simply to benefit certain crony companies which would eventually be contracted to handle the processing.

 

While I agree wholeheartedly with humanitarian measures to provide succour to refugees, the wariness of the locals should not be sidelined in the process. No good can come out from starting off from the wrong foot; and instead we must begin by coaxing goodwill between the two groups.

 

How, you ask?

 

For starters, the PH government ought to brush up their PR game. They must learn how to effectively communicate to the people; by earning trust, showing respect and being authentic. For crying out loud, PH have been ruling for almost two years now. Inexperience is no longer a valid excuse. Playing the blame game doesn’t help either. Far too often we have seen ministers laying the blame onto the media, and one too many times used the opposition as a scapegoat.

 

They should have known better after botching their messages on ICERD, Rome Statute and Jawi. It is integral to always address and acknowledge any potential fears by utilising the many communication tools at their disposal. If the government really believe that Sabahans had misunderstood the implementation of PSS, then start educating!

 

In any other case, we must draw the line between legitimate refugees and illegal immigrants. A bona fide asylum-seeker with nothing to hide would not fear going through the proper process and safeguard their refugee status in our country.

 

I am truly relieved to hear that the Sabah government is roused long enough to smell the coffee this evening. The hands of Sabah PH had been forced to commence the belated scrapping of PSS after the voters of Kimanis speak to thunderous effect on behalf of Sabahans everywhere.

 

There was no doubt that the people of Kimanis and Sabah emerged the true victors of the day.

 

As the bitter taste of fresh defeat lingers in the mouth of PH, they would do well to remember that PSS is but one of the many areas of public discontent. That is not to say credit should not be given where it’s due when PH at long last take ONE step in the right direction.

 

Better one than none; better late than never.


Chan Quin Er
MCA Spokesperson
MCA Publicity Bureau Chairperson


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