Few issues cut deeper into Sabah’s political psyche than Project IC — a decades-long controversy over identity, power, and the alleged mass granting of citizenship to foreigners.

The so called project is also what many believed is a citizenship for vote scheme.

What began in whispers has become a generational wound, resurfacing every time the state’s future is on the ballot. Here’s how it unfolded: 

1970s – The Seeds of a Scandal

Concerns begin to emerge over undocumented migration into Sabah from neighbouring countries like the Philippines and Indonesia. What starts as a humanitarian issue quietly evolves into something far more political.

1980s – ICs Start Changing Hands

Allegations surface that foreigners are being issued Malaysian identity cards through questionable means. Political whispers grow louder: were ICs being handed out to sway voter demographics?

1990 – Operation Mahathir?

By now, rumours have a name: “Project Mahathir” or Project IC. The accusation? That the federal government — under then-Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad — enabled large-scale IC issuance to Muslim immigrants to tilt the electoral balance in Sabah.

1999 – The Testimony of an Insider

Former state National Registration Department director Ramli Kamaruddin stuns the public by alleging that tens of thousands of ICs were issued illegally. He claims the orders came from “above.”

2012 – The RCI is Finally Called

After years of pressure, the federal government agrees to form a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) on illegal immigrants in Sabah. The goal: investigate the widespread claims of identity card fraud.

2013 – Explosive Testimonies

The RCI hears from civil servants, whistleblowers, and alleged participants. Stories of syndicates, political instructions, and mass naturalisations emerge in chilling detail. Some say applicants were told to vote for specific parties after receiving their ICs.

2014 – RCI Report Released

The commission finds that while foreigners were issued ICs illegally, there’s “no evidence” of a top-down political conspiracy. The public, however, isn’t convinced — many see it as a whitewash.

2020s – A Wound That Never Healed

Project IC remains one of Sabah’s deepest political traumas. It resurfaces every election cycle. And today, with new letters and old fears, it’s back in the headlines — again.