SANDAKAN: Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk VK Liew said Malaysians could not afford to bicker on the illegal immigrants issue.
“It has gone on far too long and it is time that we put behind all our differences. Pointing fingers will bring us nowhere. The political divide have to close ranks. We must unite against the intruders. Our own security is now at stake,” he said after visiting the General Operation Force base in Karamunting yesterday.
According to Liew, the setting up of Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) in the eastern region is timely while the control on the stay of foreign vessels at the Sandakan ports is absolutely necessary.
He hoped that the control on the immigration movement of visitors and passengers from nearby countries, as announced by the Immigration Department on Monday will help to effectively monitor them, he stressed.
“The other measure which is vital is to reallocate the illegal squatter areas in and around Sabah, and where necessary to demolish some that pose a security threat to the State,” he said.
Since the start of the security forces offensive at Lahad Datu in early March, Liew has visited security forces personnel stationed in and around Sandakan and the nearby islands.
The Sandakan member of parliament wanted to boost their morale and give them his support and encouragement and at the same time, to get a briefing on the various security situations the area.
Liew said, “I have met hundreds of our men in uniform in the last two weeks here in Sandakan, and many of them come from various parts of the Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and various districts in Sabah. There are some local boys too.
“Some of them have been sent to Lahad Datu as reinforcement and some have returned safely to their stations in Sandakan. I am indeed very proud of all our men in uniform who have to leave their homes and family in their respective hometowns just to be here in Sandakan to carry out their national duty to defend the country and protect the people.
“Throughout the last few weeks, we have seen the tremendous outpouring of support and encouragement from every fabric of society in Sabah toward our men in uniform. We are indeed united by the sacrifices and dedication made by our security forces in defending our soil.”
“We see people in Sabah from all walks of life giving, contributing and donating in kind and financially to our men and to the Fund set up for our fallen heroes. The token of appreciation, big and small, is nothing compared to the sacrifices these men made for the country,” the LDP President pointed out.
Liew added, “the people are truly behind our men in uniforms and when they fall, we show our support and encouragement to the families they left behind, sadly and untimely. Now that our soil have been invaded and that our security has been compromised, the Government has taken short-term and long-term measures to ensure that stability and peace are maintained.”