Sabahans are indebted to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak for acting against illegal immigration in the state, allegedly caused by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
This claim was made by Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan during Najib's visit to Kota Belud over the weekend.
"When some people are no longer leaders, we have to deal with their legacy: Illegal immigrants.
"Najib tried to solve this problem. He established the Royal Commission of Inquiry. Before this, nothing was done.
"Najib created Esscom to protect us. Millions were spent. Last time, nothing was done. The old leaders only knew how to talk.
"But Najib is (took action to) defend the sovereignity and honour of Sabah," said Abdul Rahman, according to a video clip uploaded by Suara.tv .
Although Abdul Rahman did not name Mahathir during his speech, the allegation on Sabah's population woes caused by illegal immigration was an obvious reference.
But RCI didn't finger Dr M
Mahathir has long been accused of being behind Project M or Project IC - a clandestine operation to alter the demographics of Sabah through a citizenship-for-votes scheme.
This plan was allegedly hatched following the success of Parti Bersatu Sabah in forming the state government in the late 1980s.
Project M allegedly saw the Muslim population in Sabah increase at an exponential rate, allowing Umno to cement itself as the state's most dominant political force.
When testifying before the RCI, Mahathir denied any involvement in the matter, claiming that those who were given citizenship had long settled in the state.
After nine-months of investigations and hearing from 211 witnesses, the RCI released a 366-page reports which exonerates political parties from granting citizenship to those who were unqualified.
Instead, the RCI blame corrupt government officials of granting citizenship in exchange for money.
A special panel headed by Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who was the Sabah chief minister who defied Mahathir between 1985 and 1994, was formed to study the RCI findings.
Related stories
1MDB predecessor tried to use T'ganu's oil and gas
Umno division leader calls for Azeez's head
Battle Najib in Pekan, Nazri dares Dr M
Analyst: Najib more likely to call for snap polls
Najib’s ship is sinking, but crew still on board
Foreign banks circle 1MDB over RM3bil loan
Can Najib hold two portfolios?
Cancel the land deal, reselling makes no sense
