Intensify ESSCom enforcement, security forces coordination – Musa
SANDAKAN: Efforts and coordination by the enforcement and security forces in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) should continue to be intensified in regulating the east coast of the state.
Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman said this was to ensure the peace, security and sovereignty of the people and state were safeguarded.
“We cannot be complacent or satisfied with the current situation but instead need to be ready in the security aspects to face any eventualities,” he said when officiating at the ‘Semarak Rakyat Bersama ESSCom-Sabah Tanah Airku’ programme yesterday.
Also present was ESSCom commander Datuk Hazani Ghazali.
He said security was a very important aspect and was always given priority by the government, scrutinised and dealt with by the government and people.
Hence, he said the cooperation, solid support and understanding between the enforcement and security forces needed to be strengthened from time to time.
On the programme, Musa, who is also ESSCom Advisory Board chairman, said it gave the opportunity to ESSCom to reach out to the people and to create awareness of the responsibility of safeguarding the areas involved.
He said the responsibility did not lie with the enforcement and security forces alone, but also required the full cooperation and support from the people as a whole.
Meanwhile when speaking when officiating at the opening of the Sandakan Rukun Tetangga Carnival in conjunction with the 2017 Unity week here yesterday, Musa said the existence of Rukun Tetangga Area throughout the country is a sign that the communities now understand the true concept of unity and neighbourliness.
Musa said with the establishment of the Rukun Tetangga community, “we become acquainted with each other and further strengthens our unity.”
He said it could also encourage the community to foster a spirit of cooperation, to help and strengthen the harmony of the multi-racial community in a community.
“Indeed, the participation of the community in government programs, is very important as a transformation agent to strengthen the unity of people at the grassroots level. This is a positive sign that clearly demonstrates the people’s strong support for the government’s efforts to further strengthen the integration and spirit of unity in our country.
“The effort to unite the various tribes, religions and cultures to become a Malaysian nation is not easy and achievable in the short term. On the contrary, it is a long and continuous process that demands commitment of all parties,” he said.
Hence, Musa said the efforts undertaken by the National Unity and Integration Department in organising the Rukun Tetangga Carnival were indeed in line with current challenges and future needs.
“We should be grateful for being able to enjoy life in a harmonious, peaceful and prosperous situation, compared to other countries. In some countries, violence and conflict, economic crisis and racial riots have finally torn their countries and caused the people to suffer and live as refugees.
“Therefore, we should not take for granted the unity that we harness now. We must avoid doing anything that can lead to racial or religious disputes or conflicts.
“On this program, I urge all parties, government departments and agencies, private sector, nongovernmental organizations, community leaders, leaders and people to join forces and ideas in organizing activities to strengthen the spirit of unity among our society,” he added.
The carnival was also attended by Deputy Director-General (Operations) of National Unity and Integration Department Haji Karim Abu Seman, representing Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Zakaria Mohd Edris and other local leaders.