SANDAKAN – Over 1,000 local community leaders and residents living along the coastal area and on islands in Lahad Datu yesterday recited a pledge of allegiance to reject any foreign claim over Sabah.
This happened during a programme held by the Sabah Eastern Security Command (ESSCom) in Sekolah Kebangsaan Silam, Lahad Datu.
Lahad Datu saw a protracted violent battle between Sulu insurgents, consisting of some 235 militants from southern Philippines, and Malaysian security forces in early 2013.
Some 56 militants, six local civilians and ten Malaysian security force personnel were reportedly killed during the episode.
ESSCom commander DCP Hamzah Ahmad said the programme aimed at encouraging the local community to give their undivided commitment on the matter.
“The essence of the pledge is for the people of Sabah to lend their effort and energy in protecting the sovereignty of the country, and not to support or acknowledge any claim on Sabah,” he said in a statement yesterday.
The pledge was led by Lahad Datu district officer Tahir Ali Hanapia.
In March this year, the issue of Sulu’s claim on Sabah arose following a RM63 billion claim made by the descendants of the now defunct Sulu sultanate in an arbitration court in Paris, France.
Hamzah said it is important to ensure that there is a strong awareness among the community along Sabah’s eastern coast to reject any sort of claim that would jeopardise Sabah’s place in Malaysia.
During the programme, the attendees heard a talk on security and ESSCom’s responsibility in guarding the national border, especially along Sabah’s waters.
The talk also exposed them to security issues such as the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group’s threats, intrusions of foreign militants and illegal immigrants, and cross-border crimes in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).
“ESSCom will continue to enhance its surveillance and security control together with other security and enforcement agencies to curb intrusion of foreign threats and cross border crimes in the ESSZone,” Hamzah added.
He asked members of the public who have information about cross-border crimes to contact ESSCom’s operation centre at 089-863181 or send a message through WhatsApp at 011-6331-1072. – The Vibes, May 23, 2022
