Sabah NGO urges probe into Shafie’s alleged support letter for MyKAS approval

Sabah NGO urges probe into Shafie’s alleged support letter for MyKAS approval

PETALING JAYA: The Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) has urged the authorities to investigate the circulation of two official letters allegedly containing written instructions from former Sabah chief minister Shafie Apdal supporting applications for identification documents.

KDCA youth wing chief Steve Johnny Mositun questioned the alleged political interference and urged the national registration department and the home ministry to disclose the number of MyKAS, MyPR and MyKAD applications supported by Shafie when he was the chief minister between 2018 and 2020.

Mositun questioned whether the applications went through the proper documentation process, security screening, and compliance with the laws under the National Registration Act 1959 or provisions under the Federal Constitution.

He also urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the police to investigate if there were any elements of abuse of power or leaks in the administrative system to prevent a recurrence of the “Project IC” issue, which could have long-term impact on the state’s social and economic structure.

“Sabah has been burned by this mistake before. We do not want to reignite old flames through backdoor (workings) of the state administration. The issue of citizenship is not a political ploy – it is about the nation’s sovereignty,” he said in a statement.

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Mositun also criticised a statement by Warisan deputy chief information officer Justin Wong, who claimed that MyKAS was not a permanent identification card but a temporary one for individuals born in Malaysia whose citizenship status could not be determined.

He pointed out that this understanding did not fully reflect the reality, as MyKAS holders have the opportunity to apply for permanent resident status (MyPR) and eventually MyKAD according to the specified requirements and time frame.

“MyKAS is essentially the starting point towards citizenship,” said Mositun.

“Therefore, any external influence on the approval of MyKAS, especially through political directives, is highly concerning.”

The letters dated April 26, 2019 and Oct 9, 2019 allegedly showed that Shafie requested the approval of a MyKAS extension application by a Semporna resident.

MyKAS is a temporary resident identity card issued by the government to individuals born in Malaysia but who are not recognised as citizens, requiring renewal every five years.