| April 15, 2013 00:29 AM |
SEMPORNA, April 14 (Bernama) - The
Barisan Nasional (BN) government gave full trust to the security forces
to launch an offensive against the militants from southern Philippines
who intruded Sabah.
Armed Forces Chief Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said the security forces decided to launch the offensive after negotiations to resolve the issue failed.
"When it was time to use a harder approach, we (military and police) were given full mandate to defeat the enemy. We launched Operation Daulat on March 5," he told leaders of the Chinese community here Sunday.
Also present was Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Zulkifeli said in the history of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), it was the first time that a large number of military assets were deployed.
"We wanted to show the enemy that we were not kidding. Although there were only 230 people, it involved national security and sovereignty. This was why we launched the offensive."
He said the assets deployed against the terrorists were small compared to the actual capacity owned by security forces but they were sufficient to send a strong message to the enemy not to challenge the nation's sovereignty.
The fight against terrorists in Lahad Datu and Semporna also made history when for the first time, the highest ranking ATM officer and the highest ranking police officer were at the frontline.
Zulkifeli said based on his experience in Mindanao, southern Philippines, the majority of the Moro people love peace and security.
"Only a few like to stir up trouble like the group who intruded Sabah. Anyone who intruded Malaysian territory, no matter what the race, is treated as the enemy."
-- BERNAMA
Armed Forces Chief Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said the security forces decided to launch the offensive after negotiations to resolve the issue failed.
"When it was time to use a harder approach, we (military and police) were given full mandate to defeat the enemy. We launched Operation Daulat on March 5," he told leaders of the Chinese community here Sunday.
Also present was Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
Zulkifeli said in the history of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), it was the first time that a large number of military assets were deployed.
"We wanted to show the enemy that we were not kidding. Although there were only 230 people, it involved national security and sovereignty. This was why we launched the offensive."
He said the assets deployed against the terrorists were small compared to the actual capacity owned by security forces but they were sufficient to send a strong message to the enemy not to challenge the nation's sovereignty.
The fight against terrorists in Lahad Datu and Semporna also made history when for the first time, the highest ranking ATM officer and the highest ranking police officer were at the frontline.
Zulkifeli said based on his experience in Mindanao, southern Philippines, the majority of the Moro people love peace and security.
"Only a few like to stir up trouble like the group who intruded Sabah. Anyone who intruded Malaysian territory, no matter what the race, is treated as the enemy."
-- BERNAMA
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