Sabah keeps track on developments of Bangsamoro law
KOTA KINABALU: Cooperation and close rapport between security agencies not only in the country but within the region are vital to ensure the safety of Sabah and its people, in light of political shifts in neighbouring countries.
In addressing concerns about potential spillover from the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in the January 21 plebiscite in the southern Philippines, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Shafie Apdal said local security agencies were doing their level best to ensure all went smoothly.
“We’ve had several meetings with security councils and we’ve looked into various angles to make sure this works properly.
“If we are able to work closely and enhance cooperation and close rapport between all services we have in this part of the area, I’m quite sure we can ensure that there will be no casualties.
“We cannot take lightly the security part of it.
This is not the first time we’re facing this problem and it’s not to say we’re better prepared, but we know we can’t take these things lightly because elements without our knowledge may infiltrate our borderline,” he said.
Shafie emphasised the need to keep track of latest developments, saying that a meeting with the Ambassador of the Philippines to Malaysia is to take place soon.
He said major concerns would be raised with regards to how best to work together with neighbouring countries to ensure the safety of the people.
Inspector-General of the Royal Malaysia Police Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the police were working closely with the State Government in monitoring the situation so that no security problems were created.
He said state security forces were ready to face whatever eventualities and were working closely with their counterparts, especially in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), adding that they would make full use of resources to ensure security in the state, especially on the eastern side.
Also present were Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah and Bukit Aman Management Department director Comm Datuk Abd Rahim Jaafar.