Willie Jude Junaidi
KOTA KINABALU (May 12): The concerns raised by the Sabah Immigration Officers Services Union (KPPIS) on the implementation of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency Act 2024 (Act 860) must be taken seriously.
Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) secretary-general Willie Jude Junaidi said the issues highlighted by the union were not merely minor administrative matters, but involved Sabah’s sovereign rights, clarity of jurisdiction, and smooth management of the state’s border security.
“Sabah holds a special position in immigration affairs protected under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution, therefore any implementation of new policies must comprehensively take into account the state’s autonomy rights.
“The government must take seriously the concerns raised by KPPIS because they are the personnel on the ground who understand the operational realities at Sabah’s entry points every day.
“If officers themselves are facing confusion over jurisdiction and uncertainty regarding standard operating procedures (SOPs), it could affect enforcement efficiency, border security and the integrity of the state’s immigration system,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Willie said the implementation of Act 860 without clear alignment with the provisions of MA63 could potentially create overlapping powers between federal agencies and the state government and lead to administrative conflicts while placing enforcement officers at risk of legal action while carrying out their duties.
“Sabah is not rejecting cooperation with the federal government, but what is worrying is any new law that could affect the state’s existing rights without comprehensive consultation.
“Sabah’s immigration autonomy is part of the foundation of Malaysia’s formation and it cannot be taken lightly or sidelined under the pretext of administrative coordination,” he said.
He also supported KPPIS’ move to use official consultation channels with the state and federal governments to professionally voice the issue.
According to him, the approach through dialogue and official representation is a mature step that deserves attention from policymakers.
“The government must immediately conduct comprehensive engagement sessions involving the Sabah Government, the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), officers’ unions and legal experts so that any implementation of the Act can be clarified without causing confusion at the operational level.
“In matters involving Sabah’s rights, the government must ensure every new policy truly respects the spirit of MA63 while safeguarding the interests of the people and civil servants in the state,” he said.
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