"This is no ordinary murder cum kidnap. This nothing less than another glaring armed intrusion committed within the much trumpeted ESSZONE under the Eastern Command which supposedly has seven battalions of security forces in its command. It is as though Malaysia has learned nothing from the many kidnappings, murders and piracies in the last few decades. It is as though the men in our security forces have died in vain in fighting the Lahad Datu Kg. Tanduo intrusion earlier this year," said Yong.
"No minister or official has ever been made responsible for those unceasing transnational crimes. As a result, high officials especially those at Putrajaya, carry on like nothing has happened. The ministerial responsibility can only be discharged by the immediate resignation of the Home and Defence ministers, who not surprisingly, were the same two ministers who had swapped portfolios after the last general elections.
The current Home minister, Datuk Zahid Hamidi (who was then the Defence Minister), had on the eve of the last general elections, accused but did not name, three opposition leaders for being behind the Tanduo intrusion. "This kind of playing politics with security is most sickening," said Yong.
"The latest crime reportedly occurred within only 1 kilometer from a PGA (Police General Operations Force) base, and even the intruding boats were within hearing distance from the resort. One wonders, if there had been a bigger scale intrusion, what would have happened?" asked Yong.
"The economic damage and public confidence arising from this latest international embarrassment is enormous. The authorities must investigate the possibility whether this incident is part of a longer term economic and security sabotage against Malaysia, especially Sabah by terrorist elements," said Yong.
Sabah needs to be continuously monitored and safeguarded from illegal maritime activities including piracy, smuggling, illegal immigration and also intrusion and kidnapping. This is due to the State's location which faces three seas, namely the South China Sea, Sulu Sea and Sulawesi as well as to the fact that Sabah has a long coastline.
ReplyDeleteDue to these reasons, the Malaysian security forces have a bigger role in enforcing security against these transnational threats in the area. the security development in Sabah poses a greater threat to the nation.
ReplyDeleteIsu keselamatan menjadi perkara yang diutamakan.kekurangan sistem pertahanan yang sedia ada perlu diperbaiki.
DeleteTwo kidnapping incidents in Pulau Sipadan and Pulau Pandanan in 2002 clearly showed the level of threats and the government have thus changed the focus of national maritime security preparations in the area from traditional to non-traditional threats. For example, Sabah's sea route has been identified as the main route used by criminals and smugglers to sneak into Sabah and whose presence could be a threat to the state's security and prosperity.
ReplyDeletepenceroboh ni ada bermacam2 strategi.di mana mereka lihat kita leka, di situlah kekuatan mereka.
DeleteAnother case in point is that the island's diving sites and coastal areas off eastern Sabah have been identified as not safe to tourists because of the high threat of kidnapping by terrorists and criminals. Furthermore, there were also incidents of foreigners who have been kidnapped from the east coast off mainland Sabah, the islands and surrounding waters between 2000 and 2005.
ReplyDeleteThis fragility is a cause for concern as the potential for intra-states conflict/tension and could usher instability among the littoral states. As such, it is timely to pursue the concept of trilateral patrols and "Eyes in the Sky" in this maritime domain. In essence, the littoral states are committed to ensure security and development prevailed in the maritime domain through political, economics and military means.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, the security of our country needs to be beefed up with better surveillance. We have a long coastline and the maritime agencies (Royal Malaysian Navy, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the marine police) should be equipped to monitor the entire coastline of the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak.
ReplyDeleteThe second and more important lesson is the issue of illegal Filipino immigrants in Sabah. There are thousands of them in Sabah. Towns such as Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Kudat and Lahad Datu have big Filipino communities. Most of them are illegals who are squatting.
ReplyDeleteTidak mustahil juga kehadiran PATI ni memudahkan penjenayah ni menceroboh masuk ke Sabah.
DeleteThe overwhelming presence of these immigrants should be checked and reduced. Those without papers and valid documents should be deported back to the Philippines. These immigrants are involved in crime and other undesirable activities in the big towns. The government needs to monitor and check this growing menace.
ReplyDeletePresident of Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) Datuk Michael Lui Yen Sang hailed the 2014 State Budget of RM4.6 billion tabled by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman at the State Legislative Assembly two days ago
ReplyDeleteHe further pointed out that the budget will take care of different arenas and levels of the population in Sabah, particularly on efforts to bridge the urban-rural development gap and uplift the people’s standard of living.
ReplyDeleteMemang malang, selepas ESSCOM ditubuhkan pada Mac, berlaku juga penculikan dan pembunuhan di kawasan yang dikawal oleh 7 batalion pasukan keselamatan.Pulau Pom-Pom sebenarnya tidak berapa jauh daripada pekan Semporna, hanya 45 minit menggunakan boat. Pulau itu, adalah kawasan peranginan, dan kerana statusnya, seharusnya ianya kawasan yang selamat.
ReplyDeleteKejadian awal pagi jumaat, dimana sepasang suami isteri diserang oleh penculik, dan membunuh lelaki pasangan itu, sementara isterinya diculik. Lelaki Taiwan yang bernama Li Min Hsu, 57 ditembak mati, mungkin kerana perwatakannya yang tinggi besar, berketinggian 180cm dengan berat badan hampir 100kg, ditembak, mungkin kerana penculik merasa gerun, kalau dia turut diculik.
ReplyDeleteIsteri Min Hsu yan bernama An Wei Chang, 56 dikatakan seorang yang berprofile tinggi, kerana sahabat kepada isteri Presiden Taiwan.Pasangan itu, sebenarnya adalah pasangan kaya, kerana sebelum ini sebagai penguasa yang berjaya di Taiwan.
ReplyDeleteEkoran penembakan dan penculikan pasangan itu, pemimpin pembangkang mengambil peluang menghentam ESSCOM dengan berbagai hentaman.
ReplyDeleteMalah alasan yang diberikan oleh Pengarah Esscom- Datuk Mohammad Mentek, yang menyatakan bahawa pesisir pantai yang luas, menyebabkan kawasan itu sukar dikawal, tidak dapat diterima oleh Pembangkang.
ReplyDeleteKejadian di Pulau Pom-Pom, bukan sahaja jadi bahan kritikan pembangkang kepada kerajaan, malah ianya dijadikan isu utama mereka, baik kenyataan akhbar mahupun di Parlimen.
ReplyDeleteMereka mengulang-ulang kejadian itu, sejak Jumaat, agar supaya kejadian itu, menjadi new maker, tujuannya agar supaya Sabah kelihatan tidak selamat untuk dilawati,
ReplyDeleteEkoran kejadian itu, pemerintah Taiwan mengeluarkan amaran "warna Orange" ertinya rakyatnya ditegah melawat Sabah keculai urusan yang mendesak, kerana Sabah tidak selamat untuk dilawati.
ReplyDeleteEkoran amaran itu, Menteri Pelancongan Sabah Datuk Masidi Manjun, membuat kenyataan, bahawa kejadian di Pulau Pom-Pom adalah hari sedih bagi sektor Pelancongan Sabah.
ReplyDeletePelancongan Sabah sebenarnya tergantung kepada negara Asia Utara, termasuk Taiwan. Pelancong antarabangsa yang datang ke Sabah sebenarnya lebih 50 peratus daripada negera-negara seperti China, Korea Selatan, Taiwan, Jepun dan Hongkong.
ReplyDeleteWalau bagaimanapun, banyak pihak menyatakan bahawa kejadian di Pulau Pom-Pom tidak akan mempengaruhi kedatangan pelancong ke Sabah, kerana destinasi pelancong, bukan hanya di Semporna, melainkan di serata pelosok negeri ini, termasuk Daerah Kota Belud dan Ranau.
ReplyDeleteSebenarnya, tujuan pembangkang terus memutar belit, kejadian di Pulau Pom-Pom adalah untuk mendapatkan peluang politik, dan OKB yakin, dimata rakyat Sabah atau Malaysia, mereka, tidak akan mendapat keinginan politik yang mereka inginkan, kerana mereka itu, hanya tahu bercakap.
ReplyDeleteSekiranyapun mereka berada dalam kerajaan, kejadian itu tetap akan berlaku, kerana kejadian itu, berlaku di mana-mana sahaja di dunia ini.
ReplyDeleteUsul tergempar yang dibawa oleh Pakatan Rakyat (PR) bagi membincangkan mengenai isu serangan pengganas di Pulau Pom Pom, Semporna, Sabah ditolak oleh Dewan Rakyat.
ReplyDeleteAhli Parlimen Sandakan Wong Tien Fatt dan Kota Kinabalu, Jimmy Wong membawa usul tersebut susulan kenyataan Ketua Pengarah Bahagian Risikan Kawasan Keselamatan Khas Pantai Timur (Esscom), Datuk Mohammad Mentek yang menyifatkannya sebagai "kes terpencil".
ReplyDeleteSaya rasa amat terkeliru. Adakah ini bermaksud tanggungjawab Esscom bukanlah menjaga keselamatan Sabah supaya bebas daripada sebarang pencerobohan bersenjata seperti ini, walaupun mereka adalah paramilitari yang masuk ke Sabah dari negara asing? Adakah ia bertanggungjawab untuk berperang sahajakah?
ReplyDeleteTimbalan Speaker Datuk Ronald Kiandee menolak usul yang dibawa oleh kedua-dua MP tersebut di dalam Dewan Rakyat kerana perkara tersebut bukan sesuatu yang tergempar dan insiden tersebut masih dalam siasatan.
ReplyDeleteTHERE is this quiet anger and feeling of disbelief showing here and elsewhere over the killing of the Taiwanese tourist and abduction of his partner on Pulau Pom Pom in Semporna, Sabah. Somehow, the bizarre incident had got onto the conscience of many and rattled the pride of some. They realise that the nation might just not have put in enough of that condition foreign tourists desire always: security from any threat and harm from criminals.
ReplyDeleteThe incident adds another blotch to the reputation of that part of the country, impacting negatively on our image and may restrict the flow of tourist dollars into Sabah. Travellers, even locals, will just not want to go and be where they do not feel safe.
Not surprisingly, Taiwan has issued an orange-level security advisory to its citizens intending to visit the area, which will make many not want to come. Other foreign missions here are also likely to follow suit. A decline in tourist arrivals can be expected.
ReplyDeleteHow could such a killing and abduction occur after all security and preventive measures had been put in place? Have we learned nothing from the Lahad Datu incident, which revealed the ease of the the self-styled Sulu royal army to enter and plant themselves on Sabah soil? Have we then not put in all the required solutions?
Why couldn't the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), established after the Lahad Datu incident, and with the resources it has, prevent such an incident from happening? Questions that are easier asked than answered by anyone.
ReplyDeleteNobody should doubt the commitment of the military and police, who have deployed forces and systems on the ground to dominate and secure the vulnerable areas. But all of these had not impressed nor deterred the perpetrators, who had continued to go after their target: foreign tourists.
Their modus operandi is not unlike that of Abu Sayyaf or those linked to it, which is to kidnap or take as hostages tourists and demand money for their release. There is that need now to improve the tourists' security, especially in resorts where they stay and in places where they go.
ReplyDeleteIt has to be even closer and more visible than it had ever been before and to include the installation of more surveillance equipment and technology. In addition, it might be necessary to consider for certain resorts and boat tour operators to have armed civilian guards to complement the effort of the military and police.
ReplyDeleteOr to make it mandatory for soldiers or policemen to guard those resorts that are vulnerable to raiders coming across from seaward. Continuing the cooperation with the Philippine authorities to stamp out cross-border piracy and kidnapping menace is vital. This might even include having the option of combined force pursuits all the way to its source.
It might take some time for this to happen although there is nothing wrong getting all to think and be ready for such an option. Somehow, the feeling is that we may have to go down this road in time to come.
ReplyDeleteAll that can be done presently is for us to increase our effort to prevent a recurrence of |this incident. But that notwithstanding, the priority for now is for everyone to pray and to work hard and smart for the release and of the Taiwanese woman.
THE abduction of Taiwanese tourist Chang An Wei and the killing of her partner in cold blood have once again put Sabah under the international spotlight. With a history of kidnappings and killings committed there by the Abu Sayyaf, this raises concern as to how safe tourists are when they vacation on the isolated, exotic islands off the state's coast.
ReplyDeleteSince the incursion by gunmen under the orders of the self-proclaimed sultan of Sulu, which resulted in the setting up of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), the state has gone on high gear to promote its tourist attractions regionally and internationally, especially the small islands where marine life flourish to the delight of tourists.
The virgin jungles of Sabah, its national parks and Mount Kinabalu have enticed thousands to visit annually, bringing much revenue into the state's coffers. But all of these grand efforts will surely have an ugly dent if security is lacking and not addressed adequately despite the authorities doing their best.
ReplyDeleteWe have no alternative but to beef up security in the state's waters because of the close proximity with neighbouring countries. Small islands on the Philippines' side are prefect places for armed groups to hide their victims before bringing them to their hideout in Jolo Island, where even the Philippine army have had a hard time pursuing the kidnappers in the past.
With the setting up of Esscom, I hope they will consider having more army or marine police personnel with speedboats, a couple of helicopters and jet fighters at their disposal. The personnel must be equipped with the best communication equipment for speedy response.
ReplyDeleteIf we have to spend a lot for the sake of security, then we just have to spend the money. Increase sea and air surveillance along the boundary with the Philippines, especially at night, as this is the time where kidnappers are active.
This will send a strong signal to the intruders that they will face severe consequences from our security personnel. Due to the unresolved internal conflict in southern Philippines, we will continue to see unrest and the after-effect of the conflict will likely spill over to Sabah.
ReplyDeleteI hope the Philippine government will take steps to contain its internal conflicts and cooperate with Malaysian counterparts to ensure that the waters are safe for trans-border trade to flourish and tourists from both sides to enjoy their vacations.
If the sight of security personnel may scare tourists and resort owners, I suggest that the personnel change their uniforms to civilian clothing. That will help to "soften" their image on tourists and resort owners, thus, adding more punch to the existing cooperation between the two.
ReplyDeleteSecurity personnel in civilian clothing can also mingle with tourists without raising alarm. It is time to take decisive action that will speak of our resolve to address security inadequacies and shortcomings in Sabah, especially in the islands where tourists visit in great numbers. We owe them our commitment to ensure their safety and well-being as good hosts.