Ramlee: Unfair to label Bajau, Suluk protectors of Filipino militants

SEMPORNA: Assistant Finance Minister Datuk Ramlee Marahaban has stressed that it is not fair for the Bajau and Suluk to be labelled protectors of Filipino militants.

Ramlee said it was improper to link criminal activities to any race as such activities are the rights and responsibilities of the individuals themselves.

He said racial sentiment is a sensitive issue and any statement that linked criminal activities to a particular race will hurt the feelings of those involved.

“Perhaps the source may have found Bajau or Suluk families protecting militants, but they cannot simply make a conclusion that all Bajau and Suluk communities do that.

“Logically, no one will protect an individual involved in criminal activity,” he said, adding that this issue should not be raised as the Bajau and Suluk are civilised.

According to Ramlee, this article could cause negative perception towards the Bajau and Suluk communities.

He said it could also hurt the feelings of Bajau and Suluk communities who have faithfully striven to defend the nation’s security and sovereignty.

Ramlee who is also Bugaya assemblyman, said this when met after the sacrificial ceremony organised by Eastern Sabah Security Command ( ESSCom) with the community in Simunul zone yesterday. He was responding to an article that quoted an unnamed source that Filipino militants have fled to this country and are being protected by Bajau and Suluk families who have long settled here.

In the meantime, Ramlee urged the people to continue cooperating with ESSCom to maintain the security of the country.

Ramlee who is also the State Umno deputy informatin head, said since the establishment of ESSCom, the security level is increasing and the people are also comfortable in conducting their daily activities.

He also praised the efforts undertaken by ESSCom in approaching the people for better cooperation that could further boost national security.

Chief executive officer of ESSCom, Noor Alam Khan A Wahid Khan in his speech said the programme was among efforts undertaken by ESSCom to strengthen its relationship with the community.

ESSCom was established to safeguard the welfare of the people and cooperation from all parties, including the community, is needed to achieve the goal.

He urged the people to continue to provide cooperation to ESSCom in future and hopes ESSCom will be better known and not feared by the community.

During the ceremony, three cows were slaughtered to be distributed and cooked for the people.