KOTA KINABALU – Sabah faces an existential threat to its identity and sovereignty due to an unprecedented and accelerating demographic shift, warns Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (ANAK NEGERI). Party President Datuk Henrynus Amin issued a stark declaration: "We cannot, and will not, stand idly by while the very fabric of our homeland is systematically unraveled."
A Tidal Wave of Change: Numbers Tell the Story
Recent statistics reveal a deeply alarming trend. Sabah's foreign national population, primarily from neighbouring countries, has ballooned from 800,000 in 2020 to over one million in 2024 – a staggering increase of nearly 250,000 people in just four years. This group now constitutes almost 30% of the state's total inhabitants. Projections suggest that without urgent intervention, foreigners could become the majority within the next decade.
This surge, Amin contends, is not accidental but the result of a "calculated and deliberate movement" tracing back to the 1970s. He points to a disturbing anomaly in population growth. In 1960, Sabah and Sarawak had a combined population of roughly one million (Sabah: 400,000; Sarawak: 600,000). By 2020, Sarawak's population reached 2.4 million, consistent with historical patterns. Sabah's population, however, surged to 2.6 million – approximately 600,000 higher than the expected 2 million. Amin attributes this discrepancy largely to the controversial "Projek IC" scheme, suggesting hundreds of thousands may have gained citizenship through dubious means.
The Stakes: Sovereignty and Indigenous Survival
The implications are profound. The indigenous native population feels "profoundly threatened by the possibility of becoming a minority in their own homeland." This demographic shift, ANAK NEGERI argues, directly imperils Sabah's security and its position within the Malaysian Federation, particularly given historical claims like those of the Sulu Sultanate.
Adding to the concern are reports of some foreign nationals openly declaring "Sabah Kita Punya" (Sabah Is Ours). The party interprets this not as a mere slogan, but as a "veiled, yet evident, intention" signalling a belief in their rightful claim to the land and power, posing an "undeniable political fact" of displacement.
Decades of Inaction: A Scathing Indictment
ANAK NEGERI places significant blame on established political parties, particularly PBS and STAR, for their "conspicuous silence and inaction" on illegal immigration and the demographic crisis.
PBS: Criticized for relying on past actions like memorandums while achieving "absolutely nothing concrete." Amin notes that even the concept of the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrants and fake ICs originated during his tenure as PBS Secretary General. However, following the RCI's findings, PBS remained "pathetically quiet," leading to Amin's departure.
STAR: Accused of "blatant double standard." While STAR fiercely opposed the Warisan government's Sabah Temporary Pass (PSS), it now, as part of the ruling coalition, champions the registration and issuance of "Kad Warga Asing" (Foreigners Identity Cards) to those without valid travel documents. ANAK NEGERI highlights the dangerous loophole: this renewable card could potentially serve as a basis for applying for permanent residency or citizenship after 10 years of continuous stay, allowing illegal immigrants to "bypass existing immigration laws."
The party concludes that PBS (40 years) and STAR (30 years) have had ample time to act but "did nothing," becoming a "failed formula" and a "liability" undeserving of further support. Their loyalty to the GRS coalition, seen as disinterested in the demographic issue, is cited as a key reason for their inaction.
ANAK NEGERI's Blueprint: Seven Steps to Secure Sabah
- Positioning itself as the sole genuine voice on this crisis, ANAK NEGERI unveils a detailed 7-point legislative action plan as the cornerstone of its 2025 manifesto. The plan aims to leverage state laws to mitigate the impact of the massive foreign presence and fake ICs:
- Define "Native": Amend the Interpretation Ordinance to clearly define eligible Native ethnic groups, preventing foreigners from impersonating Natives to gain rights.
- Local Business Scrutiny: Amend the Local Government Ordinance to require district population registration and verification for business licenses, acting as a filter against fraudulent MyKads.
- Protect Native Land: Amend the Sabah Land Ordinance to tighten regulations on transactions involving non-Natives/foreigners on Native land, mandating District Officer oversight.
- Monitor Foreign Labour: Amend the Sabah Labour Ordinance to compel employers to report foreign worker details and immigration status to the Chief Minister’s Department.
- Utility Access Control: Amend the Water Resources and Electricity Supply enactments to require proof of citizenship or valid documentation for utility connections.
- Strengthen Border Enforcement: Amend the Sabah Parks and Forestry enactments to establish armed border enforcement teams in Sabah's waters, islands, and land border forest reserves for enhanced monitoring.
- Sabah Control of Immigration: Enact a State Assembly motion ensuring the Director-General of Immigration Sabah is a Sabah State Government Officer appointed by the state.
A Call to Defend the Homeland
Henrynus Amin urges Sabah voters to prioritize state security and their children's future in the upcoming election. "What is the use of economic achievement if you lose your country to foreigners and become a minority and beggars in your own homeland?" he questioned. ANAK NEGERI seeks a mandate to implement these legislative changes, pledging its elected representatives will be unwavering advocates within the next state government.
"The time for inaction is over," Amin declared, framing the election as a critical choice for Sabah's survival: "Will you stand with us to defend our Homeland?"