KOTA KINABALU: The very recent abduction of a caged-fish farmer at Kg Sapang Air, Kunak is a test of the country’s security apparatus, in particular, the capability of ESSCom.
DAP Sabah secretary, Dr. Edwin Bosi, says that it just does not make any sense. After every visit by our Ministers to ESSZone and briefings by ESSCom, a kidnapping occurs. It would appear to the ordinary people here that the “enemies” may either be testing or poking fun on our security and the government.
Taking the case of Tanduo into perspective, many intruders were killed during the offensive by our security forces. And, many of the intruders were reportedly buried in various parts of Sabah because they were carrying Malaysian identity cards.
“I have raised this matter in the State Assembly asking our government how then we could identify whether they are enemies or friends.
“I have also expressed my view that ESSZone is like a fish pond. We need to remove the “snakeheads” to keep our good fish safe. We must also ensure that no snakeheads enter the pond. Snakeheads, or “ikan jalak” as they are popularly known, are very hardy fish, they can survive dry season and practically “walk” to any wet areas,” Dr. Bosi remarked.
DAP, in a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Sabah, who is the chairman of the State Security Council and Head of Esscom, has recommended that a joint command be established in ESSCom with the Police taking charge.
“I have also recommended in the State Assembly that the Sabah Rangers be revived to assist in tackling this menace. The 2nd Sabah Rangers were so effective during the Indonesian-Malaysia confrontation. I strongly urge the government to consider DAP’s and my proposal seriously,” Dr. Bosi urged.
It is normal for those responsible not to own up to their failure or failure of a system that he or she is in-charge. I fully understand the difficulties faced by CM Datuk Musa Aman and the Director General of ESSCom, Datuk Mohammad Mentek, as they battle against the kidnappers who are living amongst us. At least, Mentek has acknowledged that it is an ‘inside’ job.
Besides propping up the military assets and equipments, increasing patrols and surveillance, enhancing intelligence gathering and a surge in number of security personnel, what are the latest recommendations or suggestions from ESSCom?
“I have heard of localised curfews being implemented, which do not seem to help. I am sure the government can implement some “creative and innovative” method as this conflict is very much confined between Sabah eastern coast and the Southern Philippines,” Dr. Bosi concluded.