The handwritten note by former chief minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal purportedly endorsing support letters for MyKAS and MyPR applications has reignited a familiar political controversy, with Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) youth now insisting the matter carries serious political weight.
The 2019 support letters, recently circulated online, bore Shafie’s handwritten remark “SUKACITA DAPAT DILULUSKAN” — loosely translated as “gladly approved” — in response to appeals involving identity documents.
While the National Registration Department (NRD) has clarified that such letters do not determine approvals, SAPP youth chief Jamain Sarudin said the note sent a clear political signal, suggesting a relaxed administrative stance on citizenship.
The issue has since escalated into a wider political row, with Warisan Youth chief Terence Au defending the party and accusing KDCA Youth of politicising a cultural platform previously.
Jamain argued that the real concern lies in how official endorsements by former leaders were used to influence sensitive identity processes.
“The issue is no longer about the authenticity of the letters, which has not been denied. The real question is – why was a Chief Minister writing such a note, and in what capacity?” he said in a statement issued via the Gagasan Rakyat website on Tuesday.
Jamain was responding to the statement issued by his Warisan counterpart Terence Au on Monday.
Respon kepada kenyataan Ketua Wira Warisan Pusat, Terence Au: Nota ‘Sukacita Dapat Diluluskan’ Shafie Apdal, sokongan untuk kewarganegaraan
Jamain warned that such gestures, though symbolic, could send the wrong message to civil servants and the public, especially on a subject as sensitive as citizenship.
“This phrase is not just a formality. It is a political signal,” he said, describing it as part of “systematic social engineering” that could undermine the rights of native Sabahans.
The controversy mirrors political tactics used in the 2020 state election, when Warisan was repeatedly accused of enabling identity access for undocumented migrants — a narrative heavily pushed by its opponents to erode support in interior and Kadazan-Dusun strongholds.
The inclusion of KDCA Youth leader Steve Johnny Mositun in the debate has further stirred tensions, raising concerns that cultural institutions are being dragged into partisan politics.
The letters’ resurfacing has also renewed focus on Sabah’s long-standing concerns over the issuance of identity documents to foreigners — an issue that was investigated during the Royal Commission of Inquiry on illegal immigrants.
“This isn’t paranoia. It’s a repeat of historical patterns,” said Jamain.
He urged political leaders to avoid discretionary endorsements in matters of identity and citizenship, saying Sabah’s future must not be shaped by decisions made “for political convenience or individual interest.” – April 8, 2025
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