YONG: Sabah should brace for another period of violence at Eastern border

KOTA KINABALU - Sabah should brace ourselves for another period of violent conflict at our eastern border with the Philippines due to the Philippines's failure to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). This failure to pass the BBL to grant autonomy to the Bangsamoro homeland is in contravention of the peace agreements between Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebel forces and the Philippines Government which agreements are sponsored by the Malaysian government, said Datuk Yong Teck Lee, former Sabah Chief Minister.

Yong, who is also Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president told that it will be inevitably because there will be increased lawlessness in the region, raising the "push factor" in the Southern Philippines, with higher risks of infiltration into Sabah by armed gangs, more influx of illegals, smuggling and other transnational crimes such as cross-border kidnappings. MILF armed units will become "lost commands" which are more dangerous and violent.

Yong Teck Lee

He said at the same time, the Moro National Liberation Front which is more active in the Sulu Sea, are reasserting their presence. Already, the relevance of the MNLF in securing law and order in the Sulu Seas have become more obvious again with the open request of the Philippines authorities directly to MNLF founding Chairman, Nur Misuari, to help them (Philippines authorities) secure the release of the four hostages kidnapped from Ocean View Resort on Samal Island, Davao two weeks ago. The four hostages consist of two Canadians, one Norwegian and a Filipina.

"At home in Sabah, ESSCOM is still stifled by lack of resources and logistics. The visit to ESSZONE by a freshly minted deputy home minister is nothing but another round of more promises. As revealed by the ESSCOM deputy director of Intelligence, ACP Hashim Justin, our security is also affected by corruption among the enforcement personnel.

"Sadly, our security awareness and preparedness are not helped by the federal government being badly distracted by their own political problems. Our government also seems helpless in rescuing the two Malaysian hostages kidnapped at Sandakan Ocean King restaurant in May this year," Yong said.