Sabah security threat spreads to West Coast, new challenge to security forces, says DPM

KOTA KINABALU: Intelligence conducted by by security forces had shown the existence of ‘panglima kesultanan’ (a sultanate commander) at every state legislative assembly constituency in Sabah and it was seen as a threat to the nation, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said that the threat in Sabah, especially along the East Coast, had now spread its wings to the West Coast which was a new challenge to the security forces.

“It used to be threats in the East Coast of Sabah but due to tight security by the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) and the Royal Malaysian Army (RMA), a new threat has emerged in the West Coast.

“Therefore, both the RMP and the RMA together with other security agencies will expand their scope of operations in both regions.

“I, therefore, like to remind those who think or plan to intrude or claim Sabah as their own to be cautious because if such threats do occur, not only the Malaysian security forces will come out to fight but the people of Sabah will be at the forefront to defend this country,” he said this during the signing of memorandum of understanding (MOU) on a seminar on ‘Security and Public Order’ (SEKAM) 2016 at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Chancellor Hall, here yesterday.

Present at the event were Deputy Minister of Home Affairs II Masir Kujat, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, Ministry of Home Affairs Secretary General Alwi Haji Ibrahim, Deputy Inspector General of Police Datuk Noor Rashid Ibrahim, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun and UMS ViceChancellor Prof. Datuk Dr Mohd Harun Abdullah.

During the event, Ahmad Zahid was also appointed Adjunct Professor for his effort in collaborating UMS with the Home Ministry Department.

Ahmad Zahid, meanwhile, said that outsiders could never claim Sabah as their own as the state is part of Malaysia since independence.

“It is our duty as Malaysians and Sabahans to defend our country from any internal or external threats,” he said.