RCI hearing postponed to March 18

The hearing by the royal commission of inquiry (RCI) on immigrants in Sabah that is scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed to March 18, due to the situation in Lahad Datu.

Conducting officer DPP Manoj Kurup (left), when contacted, confirmed that the RCI has been shelved temporarily.

“It will resume as scheduled on March 18 and 21 as decided earlier,” he said.

This was confirmed by Sabah-based surgeon Dr Chong Eng Leong, who is scheduled to testify before the RCI panel.

Chong and several others had filed an election petition in 1999 over the Likas state seat, leading to the results being nullified.

He also wrote a book, ‘Lest We Forget’ in relation to ‘Project IC’, involving the issuance of blue identity cards (ICs) to foreigners in the state.

The RCI comprises a five-member panel led by former Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak, Steve Shim.

It has eight terms of reference, including investigating the number of foreigners in Sabah given blue ICs; whether such awards were according to the law; and if those concerned are on the Sabah electoral rolls.

It is also to investigate the sudden rise in Sabah’s population, the social implications on the state and to identify the number of stateless foreigners.

A total of 64 witnesses have testified to date, with the last session having been held last Feb 23.

Hafiz Yatim