THE controversial Sabah Temporary Pass (PSS), which many blamed for the state ruling party’s defeat in the Kimanis by-election last weekend, has been scrapped.

Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal announced the decision today, following talks in the state cabinet, reported The Star.

PSS was to be rolled out in June, replacing three cards – IMM13 issued by the Immigration Department, Burung Burung (Chief Minister’s Department) and census certificate (Federal Special Task Force).

The state and federal governments had hoped that the high-security PSS would resolve the problem of illegal immigrants in Sabah and weed out holders of fake cards.

However, many Sabah politicians and residents objected to the plan, saying PSS would be a “free pass” for illegals to enter and settle down in the state.

On Saturday, Parti Warisan Sabah’s Karim Bujang lost by a stunning 2,029 votes to Mohamad Alamin of Barisan Nasional in the fight for Kimanis. Karim polled 10,677 votes to Mohamad’s 12,706.

The by-election was called after the election court last year nullified Anifah Aman’s 14th general election win in the parliamentary seat. – January 22, 2020.