CM to meet southern Philippines leaders next week

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal is seeking light at the end of the tunnel for Sabah’s safety and security issues through a meeting with the new Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MNLF) chief leadership.

Shafie said the meeting might be held next week to discuss the MNLF situation in Southern Philippines.

“I have asked for the matter to be looked as an approach for us to try and work on the unwanted activities, especially in the East Coast,” the Chief Minister responded to the press during the Parti Warisan Sabah inaugural Christmas Celebration Open House here yesterday.

“There will have to be as best as possible cooperation to eradicate it because we know that safety is important not only to protect lives but also, in terms of the tourism sector, we will be able to fertilize it if the safety situation can be increased in the East Coast. We will stress on a few matters during my meet,” he revealed.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is a group based in Mindanao, Philippines seeking an autonomous region of the Moro people from the central government.

Meanwhile, Shafie also reminded the people of Sabah to reject extremism and racism as they could jeopardise the harmony and unity of the multi-cultural society in the state.

“Don’t be religious extremists either. We must hold firm to each other’s beliefs,” he said.

Earlier, in his speech, Shafie, who is also the Warisan president, called on party leaders and members to work harder to fulfil the hopes of the people and take Sabah’s development to a higher level this year.