PBS against abolishing work permits for other M’sians

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 3 (The Star) -- Parti Bersatu Sabah is against any move to abolish work permit requirements for Malaysians from Sarawak and peninsular Malaysia to work in the state.

PBS president Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan said the work permit requirement was part of the state’s rights that had been included in the immigration laws and the Constitution of the state and country.

“It is very important for us to be protective of our rights and interests, especially to give the assurance and confidence to local people who will seek justice and a fair share of work and other opportunities,” he said in a statement.

He was commenting on a proposal by Liberal Democratic Party deputy president Datuk Chin Su Phin who called for the abolition of the work permit requirements for peninsular Malaysians and Sarawakians working in the state in line with the 1Malaysia concept.

Pairin said that the issue of work permits should not be tied up with the 1Malaysia concept mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak which emphasises a new approach that builds on confidence, love, sincerity, honesty and patriotism.

“In other words, 1Malaysia does not mean the erosion of rights and interests of the people of Sabah or any Malaysian for that matter,” he added.