KUALA LUMPUR: The government is to launch an initiative to resettle people living in several locations in eastern Sabah to maintain public safety, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said, Monday.
The move was decided on after realising that the vulnerability of several settlements to the easy entry of illegal immigrants and stateless persons was the primary cause of the Sulu terrorist intrusion in Lahad Datu and other parts of eastern Sabah, he said.
He said that the initiative, under Part III of the Preservation of Public Security Regulations 2013, enabled the government to resettle any individual or a group of people, particularly any individual or a group of people who were illegal immigrants or stateless persons, in a safe and suitable area determined by the government.
“It must be emphasised here that the decision to resettle any individual or a group of people is for the sake of maintaining public security.
“In undertaking this resettlement, the government will take into consideration the safety and well-being of not only the people to be resettled but also the people already living in the designated area of resettlement,” he said at the parade in conjunction with the 206th Police Day at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol), here.
Najib said discussions would be held with the district, native or village chiefs on all aspects of the resettlement, including the people’s source of livelihood.
The prime minister said that to preserve and protect the people’s fundamental rights and uphold the rule of law, the government would ensure that the resettlement did not prevent any aggrieved citizen in the designated area from challenging the government’s decision or exercising his or her right as a voter in any parliamentary or state election.
“Realising that the resettlement would involve Malaysians, either as those to be resettled or those already living in the area of resettlement, the government will help those citizens whose rights under the Federal Constitution have been undermined by such resettlement,” he said.
The prime minister said the government would provide a safe place to live and ensure that adequate facilities were available for maintenance of public health, medical services and sanitation, besides opportunities for education and employment.
The government would also cooperate with any domestic or foreign organisation to make available training and equipment, if necessary, to enable the resettled people to start life anew, he said.
“The government realises that the decision on the resettlement has a major impact on the future of those involved. Migration to a new place involves getting adapted to a new environment,” he said.
He also said that the initiative would be beneficial to those already living in the area of resettlement because the government would implement programmes necessary for their well-being.
The prime minister said the resettlement initiative might be extended to the rest of Sabah when it was felt that the situation was right to do so.
“Although the resettlement initiative is now confined to eastern Sabah, it does not mean that western Sabah is being neglected. The need for safety is now more pressing in the east,” he said.
He also said that the government had never doubted the loyalty of Malaysian citizens of Suluk descent.
He said they were citizens who enjoyed the rights provided for by the Federal Constitution and the other laws of the country.
“The government will continue to protect their legitimate rights and champion their welfare,” he said.
Najib also praised the people of Kampung Senalang in Semporna for their bravery and sacrifice in overcoming a terrorist on March 3.
“In their attempt to defend themselves and the country, the terrorist was killed. Their deed and bravery are most appreciated,” he said.
At today’s event, Najib presented to the next-of-kin a one-rank posthumous promotion for the eight policemen slain by the terrorists in Sabah.
Earlier, the prime minister inspected a guard-of-honour and watched a parade of 1,300 police officers and men.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar and Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa also attended the event. – Bernama