Sunday, March 17, 2013

39. Sabah Suluks will not be victimised, assures PM

Sabah Suluks will not be victimised, assures PM
Published on: Sunday, March 17, 2013
http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=84631

Putra Jaya: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak assured the Suluk community in Sabah that they will not be victimised.
"We need to separate the local Suluk and the intruders as local Suluks are model citizens. We cannot lump them together as threats to the country.
"We must implement confidence building measures so they understand this is in order to face the groups of terrorists," he said.
He said the Special Security Area in Sabah (ESSCOM) took into account the Rajang Area Security Command (RASCOM) model di Sarawak which was found to be very effective in facing current challenges.
"I also ask that the cabins be constructed quickly without having to wait for permanent buildings.
"We start as soon as possible and the cabins must be comfortable so they could carry out their duties comfortably and give confidence to the people of eastern Sabah specifically on the effort of the government in tackling the latest threat.
"Further details on the structure of ESSCOM are expected to be announced at the end of next week. Hopefully, we can discuss with the state government of Sabah," he said.
He also wanted the Defence Ministry to appoint the most suitable officer to head the team to serve in ESSCOM which covered the districts of Kudat, Tawau, Kunak, Sandakan and Lahad Datu in Sabah.
Najib also said the government is prepared to approve an additional allocation to boost the capability of the Armed Forces (ATM).
Following the incident in Lahad Datu and Semporna in Sabah recently, he said, the government would carry out overall improvements in terms of equipment, training, skills and intelligence of ATM.
"If there are anything which we need to add, God willing, the Government is prepared to approve an additional allocation to upgrade the capability of the ATM.
"We need to give confidence to the people over the question of territorial sovereignty and national security.
We need to do whatever is required for the future of the people," he said at 'An evening with the Prime Minister and Retired Senior Officers of the ATM' at Seri Perdana, Saturday.
More than 200 retired senior officers of the ATM attended the event.
Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Armed Forces chief, General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin.



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