Hishammuddin hits back at opposition over his competence in protecting Sabah

SANDAKAN – Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has slammed the opposition over its criticism of his capability to keep Sabah safe, saying the accusations are not based on facts.

Without mentioning names, the minister said while there are several camps on Sabah’s west coast on standby, there are more on the east coast that are constantly in operation.

“Now that we (Defence Ministry) are adding a new camp in Lahad Datu, I challenge the opposition to contradict what I have said.  

“The opposition often makes accusations without verifying the facts. However, this does not distract us from our focus to strengthen the security in Sabah, especially on the east coast.  

“I think as an opposition member, one has to be responsible. Don’t make statements to scare the public, more so when the statement is not based on facts.”

He said this at a press conference after he visited the Joint Task Force 2 Base, Kukusan Camp, in Tawau, during his second day in Sabah today.  

Hishammuddin announced that the Finance Ministry has approved an allocation of RM646 million for the setting up of a new military camp in Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu.  

The construction is expected to commence this year.  

“These are just a few of the initiatives the Defence Ministry is undertaking to strengthen security in Sabah. We have done a lot of things, and we will do more such as improving and adding to our existing assets. It will be announced from time to time.”

At the end of November, Hulu Langat MP Datuk Hasanuddin Mohd Yunus said the airbase in Tawau was not capable of supporting security operations.

Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal had also repeatedly questioned why the Paradise army camp was stationed in Kota Belud where there are no threats, and suggested for the camp to be moved to Semporna or Lahad Datu.

After Hishammuddin was briefed by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) chief of operation centre staff Brig-Gen Azhar Tahir, Hishammuddin concluded that the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) remains safe. 

“ESSCom is ready for the possibility of any unwanted incident in Sabah. The air force has positioned two battalions in islands along ESSZone and two battalions in the coastal areas – all of which are working 24/7.  

“We have another five battalions that are ready to be relocated at any time in the state. We have assets that are ready to be deployed.”

Meanwhile, the government is looking to revive the tripartite relationship between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines to ensure security in the country, especially eastern Sabah, which faces the risk of foreign threats.  

Hishammuddin said his counterparts in the Philippines and Indonesia have agreed to discuss the matter on January 27.

“We cannot face these threats alone. We need to work closely with our neighbouring countries. We will revive the trilateral relationship that we once had, based on commitments from the three countries in fighting the same ‘enemy’.” – The Vibes, January 14, 2022