The defense system in protecting people’s security and nation sovereignty has totally failed, after the incident of three fishermen being kidnapped, even with the presence of Defense Minister himself in East Coast of Sabah recently.
The repeating of similar incidents is a blow to the competence of Defense Minister, who was here in Tawau these two days.
Defense Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein, who is also UMNO National Vice Chairman, has attended UMNO AGMs for Kalabakan and Tawau division in the weekend.
Our minister just announced that a Sulu Sea Patrol (SSP) involving MALAYSIA, Philippines and Indonesia will be expedited to ensure the security of the Sulu Straits during the UMNO meeting here, then the cross border kidnapping incident happen again in Semporna, near to Pom Pom Island Resort. What’s an insult and shameful incident!
Where would our effort to curb piracy, armed robbery, kidnapping as well as intrusions in the area seems successful and effective? Sabahan lose confidence against Federal defense system to protect us.
The never ending cross border crime across Sulu Straits has shown us that the close door policy adopted by the authorities has failed us.
Closed door policy refer to the standard operating procedure taken by our authorities when handling security issue of Sulu Straits.
When kidnapping cases happen in tourism hotspot, tourist are prohibited to have night activities in the sea; when fishermen were kidnapped, we have curfew; when the goods carrying ship kidnapped and sailors abducted, barter trade stop immediately. After we follow all recommendations by our authorities, the kidnapping incident still happen! Please tell us how should Rakyat out the trust and confidence with our governments ability to address the issue?
I urge Hishamuddin to expedite the Sulu Sea Patrol as the last chance to prove to us his ability and competence as the Defense Minister.
We will celebrate Malaysia Day next Friday. Federal must fulfill their commitment to protect Sabah’s sovereignty and people’s security.