Shafie sorry for candidate’s remarks on security forces

KOTA KINABALU: Parti Warisan Sabah president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has apologised to members of the security forces, their families and all Malaysians after one of his candidates, Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi, allegedly belittled the security operation to defend Sabah during the 2013 Tanduo intrusion.

“As Parti Warisan Sabah president and (caretaker) Chief Minister, I want to apologise to all members of the security forces, their families and all Malaysians for the statement by one of the party members,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The spontaneous remarks by the party’s Silam candidate was misunderstood and not aimed at belittling the security forces who sacrificed their lives to defend the country and people, he added.

“As a former deputy defence minister, I am fully aware of the sacrifices made by our security forces in defending the nation, many of whom are placed at distant and isolated outposts with minimal amenities.

“Each of our security forces placed in such areas are not only ready to sacrifice their lives to keep Malaysia safe, but also have to be away from their families,” he added.

He said as Chief Minister, he understood the role of the security forces as frontliners during the Covid-19 pandemic to help check the spread of the virus.

“We appreciate their sacrifices and the state government set aside RM10mil to be shared between all frontliners, including RM1mil for the police and another RM1mil for the army.

“Sabah is the only state in the country to provide such additional funds for the security forces during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The amount is not much compared to the risk and sacrifices of the security forces, but it clearly shows that the Sabah government is appreciative of their contribution even though security comes under the Federal Government,” he added.

Mohamaddin, the candidate for Segama, has apologised for the 90second video clip, which shows him belittling the 2013 Tanduo intrusion while on his campaign trail.

The Lahad Datu MP claimed the 2013 shootout with Sulu militants was “just a show” to gain votes and help Barisan Nasional win the 13th General Election.

But he said the video was taken out of context and spread by people who wanted to see Warisan lose the election.

He said his words were not meant to offend the security forces but to put the spotlight on Barisan’s failure to secure Sabah’s borders.