LAHAD DATU – Warisan’s candidate for the Segama state seat in Sabah, Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi, has denied belittling and insulting Malaysian security forces that defended the country during the violent incursion by southern Philippine militants here in 2013.
“My statement was misunderstood. I would never belittle, let alone insult our security personnel who had with their lives, protected us from invaders and protected the sovereignty of the country,” said Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi.
“My message would not have been misunderstood if my whole speech had been recorded. I condemn the acts of whoever it is that took only that part of my speech and circulated it, obviously to make Warisan look bad.
“However, I would like to sincerely apologise if anyone, especially our security forces, felt insulted or was hurt by that part of my speech,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Mohamaddin, who is Lahad Datu MP, was the federal tourism, arts and culture minister under the former Pakatan Harapan (PH) government.
His statement was issued after a video of him speaking in Kg Wawasan here went viral on social media since Sunday.
In the video, he is seen telling attendees at an event that jets had bombed palm oil estates and destroyed houses in the area during the intrusion.
He said the Malaysian military forces had sent in tanks into palm oil estates to fight with “chickens” and “dogs”.
He seemed to imply that the intrusion was a show as it was over after the 13th general election result was announced later that year.
The video sparked anger as several Malaysian soldiers died during the incident.
Public backlash
Sabah Parti Cinta (PCS) president Datuk Seri Anifah Aman was among those who condemned Mohamaddin’s speech.
“I am truly disappointed to watch this video clip,” said Anifah, who was Malaysia’s foreign affairs minister during the intrusion.
“Mohamaddin has insulted Malaysian security personnel who risked their lives to protect the sovereignty of the country.
“In the battle in Tanduo, Lahad Datu, 2013, a total of 235 terrorists landed in Sabah from Simunul Island, Philippines. Ten security personnel of Malaysia died in the incident that included several ambushed attacks.
“Yet, this Warisan leader calls their sacrifices a ‘show’. Warisan should feel ashamed for this disgusting statement. The people should reject such a Warisan leader.”
Anifah said this on his Facebook page where he also posted Mohamaddin’s video clip lasting two minutes and 30 seconds.
Caretaker Sabah chief minister and Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said that he would meet Mohamaddin.
“He has apologised (for the issue). I will meet him,” Shafie said.
Asked if the issue is going to affect Warisan in the state election on September 26, Shafie did not give a direct answer but said Warisan will continue to fight to win the election.
He said this when questioned by reporters after a meet-the-people session in Karamunting here yesterday. – The Vibes, September 22, 2020
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