KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister urged the people not to be provoked by articles published on the social media regarding a group of Philippine nationals who encroached into Lahad Datu recently.
He said the people should not believe stories released by unreliable sources that could lead to all sorts of opinions and speculation.
“The government has settled talks (with the intruders) and we are going to deport them to their home country.
“What is important right now is that we are putting security first and want a peaceful ending to this and we do not want any bloodshed at this juncture,” he said when met by reporters after the Kota Kinabalu Journalist Association’s Chinese New Year luncheon here yesterday.
The group, that had demanded to be recognised as the Royal Soldiers of the Sultanate of Sulu, entered the state via Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu on Tuesday and did not want citizens of Sulu origin in Sabah to be sent back to the Philippines.
During the luncheon, Musa announced a RM50,000 ‘Ang Pow’ from the Sabah state government to the Kota Kinabalu Journalist Association to fund its activities.
“The media fraternity in Sabah is indeed a very important partner of the government. You play an important role in providing the latest information to readers and viewers on government initiatives.
“I also wish to encourage you to keep on reporting about development and achievements that we now see in Sabah and how this is creating economic spin-offs, job opportunities and providing higher education, bridging regional gaps in the process,” he said.
Meanwhile, Musa who opened the Bangso Bajau Sama Sabaha Association (PBBSS) at Dewan Seri Sulaman today, took the opposition to task for accusing the Barisan Nasional (BN) government of not bringing about any development in Sabah. — Bernama
“They (opposition are spreading baseless accusations. They must physically step into Sabah and see the rapid development involving billion ringgit projects.
“The opposition is only good in spinning the truth to confuse the people by claiming there is no development here. They come from the mainland to teach us how to administer the state.
“We are not boasting or being arrogant but our track record is excellent ….They need not come and teach us because it will be like teaching a duck to swim,” he said.
Sabah is a state comprising various ethics and they are all united and live in peace and harmony.
“The prevailing peace and harmony has helped us share the benefits of development and economic growth in the state.
PBBSS President Datuk Hajiji Noor meanwhile, proposed that the government build a Bajau Cultural Centre in the district to promote the ethic group’s tradition and culture, especially to local and foreign tourists. — Bernama
“We must maintain our tradition and culture. At the same time we must retain the BN which has loyally contributed to our well being,” he said. — Bernama