Perception towards Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrant in Sabah : exploratory study among University Malaysia Sabah students / Muslim Rupin and Mohd. Airi Jalaluddin

Government approaches to solve illegal immigrant problem in Sabah is keep
changing since USNO era in 1970s until now. There are many policies that have
been implemented by the government such as open-door policy by USNO
government where refugees from South Philippine is welcomed to Sabah and
given IMM l 3 as documentation. During PBS rule in Sabah, there is no specific
policy done by PBS to solve the illegal immigrant issue. During BN era in 1990s
until now, there is policy like 5P programme (i.e Pendaftaran, Pengampunan,
Pemantauan, Penguatkuasaan, Pengusiran). Insistences to establish Royal
Commission of Inquiry (RCI) has started during PBS era in 1980s until 1990s and
even continue until 2012 where PBS along with Sabah-based political parties like
UPKO urged the Federal Government to establish RCI. Alas, the RCI is only
established in 2012 where the illegal immigrant issue is already in worst situation
where their number consists 1/3 of Sabah population. The establishment has been
fully supported by Sabah-based political parties namely PBS, UPKO and SAPP.
However, there are several negative feedbacks from figure like Tun Mahathir
Mohamad and Datuk Ibrahim Ali whom opined that RCI establishment is not
necessary. This paper discussed about the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)
students perceptions towards RCI. Among issue that discussed in this paper are
UMS student's perception toward effectiveness of RCI and also their favour
towards RCI. The result of the study shows that overall perceptions of UMS
students towards RCI are positive. The result of the study also indicates that race
does not affect student perceptions towards RCI.