Controversial PSS to be scrapped

The decision to implement the controversial Sabah Temporary Pass (PSS) which was originally set to take off on June 1 has now been revoked.

According to a report in the Borneo Post, Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal said the decision to cancel PSS was made at a Sabah government cabinet meeting today.

In making the announcement, Shafie said the decision would be communicated to the Home Affairs Ministry in the near future.

"The cabinet meeting today decided the PSS will be cancelled after seeing and hearing the people's response," said Shafie.

The PSS was seen as a key swing factor against Shafie's Parti Warisan Sabah in the recently concluded Kimanis by-election.

The victorious BN/Umno campaign harped on PSS’ potential to offer migrants citizenship and further change the demographics of the state.

Despite explanations by the Home Ministry and the Sabah government to the contrary, this narrative struck a chord, particularly with the Kadazandusun Murut community.

The PSS was intended as a new document that the Immigration Department would issue to migrants, replacing three existing documents, namely IMM13, Burung-burung cards and census certificates.

It was the result of a decision made by the Committee on the Management of Foreign Nationals on Sept 6, 2019, and announced by Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on the same day.