Shafie (middle) meeting the Kampung Bum Bum community yesterday.
SEMPORNA: The Sabahan Suluks have described themselves as Malaysian first as citizens who want peace and they promise they will never work hand in glove with terrorists whether those from outside or within.
Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Abdal said the Suluks community told him not to worry about their loyalty to the country as Malaysians and they are no different from other Malaysians.
“They have been here before independence so there should not be any disputes. If there is any group coming from across they will take stern action to curb any violence or militants that could harm national security. If fact, they are willing to help and their loyalty should not be questioned,” he said yesterday after a meet-the-people session at Kampung Bum Bum in Bum Bum Island.
Shafie said he was very happy to hear from the Suluks in Lahad Datu, Kunak, Tawau for their patriotism towards the country and he is also confident the Suluks in Semporna will give their support toward maintaining peace and harmony and also the government.
Earlier in his speech, Shafie said it is like when Datuk Lee Chong Wei badminton clash against China’s Lin Dan where Malaysian Chinese supported Chong Wei instead of Lin Dan and the same goes with the Malaysian Suluks.
He also called on the people not to leave security matter entirely to the security forces but as citizens they have to play their individual role as ‘the eyes and ears’ against any threats.
“People need to rise up and ensure the areas from Tanjung Labian to Simunul are defended by the people,” he said.
Shafie who is also the Semporna member of parliament asked the people why the self-proclaimed Sultan of Sulu and those before him never claimed Sabah but only now.
“During the Japanese invasion, the British during colonial times, where were Sulu’s sultans?” he asked ,adding he hoped this would be the last time of such a claim and never again.
He said when the International Court of Justice ruled that Sipadan Island belongs to Malaysia, it also proves that Sabah belongs to Malaysia and the people should not be afraid of any claim on Sabah.
“Do not be afraid, if we are afraid they become brave but if we are brave they will be afraid,” he said.