DAP deplores in the strongest possible terms the cruel and barbaric kidnapping of four Malaysians from Sarawak by suspected Filipina terrorists. The four victims were kidnapped by eight armed men in the waters of Semporna while returning to Malaysia from the Philippines last night. Sabah has seen rising abductions since the Malaysian government faced an invasion by Sulu fighters in Lahad Datu in 2012.
The abduction is a tragic reminder to the victims’ families how unsafe Sabah and its waters is. Despite all the security measures imposed by the Federal government, hundreds of millions of ringgit spent and visits by Ministers, there is mounting public anger not just in Sabah but also throughout Malaysia how helpless, ineffective and impotent we are when facing the murderous Filipina terrorists. Sabahans and visitors will never feel safe and secure so long as the Malaysian government is unable to prevent such barbaric acts of abductions by these terrorists.
A government basic duty is to ensure public order and security. How long more must we wait before we stop seeing the sad and tragic abduction from continuing in Sabah? For this reason, DAP urges the Federal government to take all measures to secure the release of the four Malaysian victims. Even financial measures should not be discounted.
For the present moment, our thoughts are with the distraught families of the victims. No words can lessen their sorrow and fear for the safety of the victims. We can only pray for their safe return.