A peace deal between the Philippines government and the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF) brings fresh hope that Sabah's illegal immigrant
and refugee problem can be resolved.
Local observers hope the latest deal with MILF will bring about much-needed stability in the southern Philippines.
This
follows the September 1996 peace deal with the Moro National Liberation
Front (MNLF) that saw the creation of the Autonomous Region of Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM).
Sabah Barisan Nasional secretary Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan said the peace deal was a very exciting development.
“I am sure it will help stem the influx of people into the state.
“We might even see them heading back with better economic opportunities at home,” he added.
Rahman
said the Malaysian Government should consider setting up a special
high-level economic team to assist in the economic growth of the
proposed new autonomous Bangsamoro region.
Former chief minister Datuk Yong Teck Lee said that if the peace deal succeeded, it would have a positive impact on Sabah.
