KOTA KINABALU: Efforts need to be taken to iron out shortcomings in Malaysia-Philippines bilateral ties to enable a more effective means be taken to deal with the armed intruders from the republic in Lahad Datu, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.
Stronger inter-government collaboration between the two countries should also be set in place to prevent a similar incident from happening again, he added.
He said it was vital that the related authorities in both countries place greater emphasis on the security measures to stop such armed group from moving easily between their sea borders and land illegally to intrude on either side.
“We all now know that the situation which was reported to be under control had finally spiralled into a gunfight that claimed several lives. We accept the fact that it already happened but we hope the follow-up to be taken would be towards bringing about a situation that is easier to understand and less tensed and unsafe for the people of Sabah.
“As such, the government should work through available diplomatic channels to examine and improve the situation, not just the tragic incident still ongoing (in Lahad Datu) but also the relationship and collaboration between our two countries,” he said when met after officiating at the Sabah Water Department Silver Jubilee Dinner on Friday.
Pairin, who said he had yet to receive the full information on the situation in Lahad Datu urged the public especially those in Lahad Datu to remain calm and let the authorities deal with the situation accordingly.
“Of course, we want a calm and controlled situation but the intruders have been holding up in Kampung Tanduo for more than two weeks, the people there might be frightened.
“We hope that they will remain calm in facing this trying time and help the authorities ensure that order and peace prevails,” he said.