Umno hand in ‘new’ illegal settlement?

By Luke Rintod of FMT

KENINGAU: An open recreational area meant for residents in a low-cost housing project here has “magically” turned into a settlement overnight for about 1,000 illegal Filipinos and Indonesian immigrants.

To make matters worse, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) poles were allegedly put up at night to “supply” power to this illegal settlement, when thousands of other poor Sabah native kampungs are still living by kerosene lamps.

The outrageous speed by which the settlement is evolving comes alongside rumours that selected ketua kampung (village chiefs) have been asked to help in Project IC (granting illegal immigrants MyKads).

Opposition State Reform Party (STAR) Sabah deputy chairman, Nicholas James Guntobon, said there were also allegations that Liawan Umno assemblyman Sairin Karno was seen visiting the area and was the reason behind the quick connection of utilities.

“This is all disturbing. My office is being bombarded by disturbing reports and pictures from concerned locals on the squatters being erected just one kilometre from town.

“This issue is a hot talk in Keningau and is set to spark outrage across Sabah, which is already embroiled with issues related to the large presence of illegal immigrants and MyKads being given to them and them being registered as voters ahead of a looming general election.

“It’s also disturbing to hear reports that Sairin has visited the mostly Suluk and Bugis settlement.

“Now we want our assemblyman (Sairin) to clarify on these allegations in order for him to quash such rumours, as it does not help at all,” he said.

Natives waiting since 1963

Guntobon said he himself had visited the site and was shocked to see the electricity polls and hear the immigrants calling the illegal settlement “Indah Permai”.

“Could these be the people coming out or branching out from Sepanggar which is notorious for illegal immigrants and squatters but with Umno flags flying all over the place?” he asked.

He also queried how the now federal-controlled SESB could swiftly provide electricity to these houses and the illegal immigrants.

“Many kampungs in Keningau had been applying for electricity since 1963 but to no avail but here an illegal settlement is being pampered by the BN government almost in no time.

“The area these immigrants now occupied is an open space that should be used by the Keningau Rumah Murah residents for recreation.

“It should never be turned into a residential area, what more for illegal immigrants,” he said.

Guntobon added that some of the residents in the low-cost housing and nearby areas are now worried about their children’s safety and their properties.

“Some of the residents have stated their willingness to confront the authority in order to defend their rights. Isn’t this worrying?

“I cannot imagine this government is still keeping its ears and eyes shut to Sabahans’ cries for justice. Must blood be shed to be heard?” he asked.

Free ICs

Guntobon urged leaders who had “not sold their souls” to rally against such wrongdoings.

“They have become emboldened because we are too lenient and accommodating, and because they have both open and tactic support from Umno-led Barisan Nasional politicians.

“There was even an allegation that someone with clout here [Keningau] was instructing selected ketua kampung to help in Projek IC for those just arrived ‘neighbours’.

“I hope Chief Minister Musa Aman and Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein could feel our heartbeat on such disturbing issues…” Guntobon said.

Liawan state constituency is a Dusun majority seat with substantial Muslim voters.

In recent weeks, retiring Land and Survey director, Osman Jamal, who is also president of the United Sabah Bugis Association, was said to be eyeing Liawan in the coming general election.