EASTERN Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) director-general Datuk Mohammed Mentek cannot be blamed for the recent kidnapping off Semporna nor can he be blamed on ESSCom’s failure to guard the safety at the east coast of Sabah.
According to Tamparuli assemblyman Datuk Wilfred Bumburing during the state assembly sitting yesterday, the director-general had done his best to fulfill his responsibilities.
“However the federal government has not given its full attention to the problems faced by ESSCom,” said Wilfred.
He added that ESSCom had applied for more workforce and assets but received an unfavorable response from the federal government.
“Based on information from the resort operator in Semporna, no boats are stationed permanently at some islands. So how can the security forces operate without adequate facilities? Of course certain parties have observed this and have confidently carried out their activities,” he said.
Bumburing said it was only recently that the Civil Service Department visited the islands in Semporna but until today, there had been no concrete commitment from the government.
“Again, the question raised is why the acquisition of assets for the security forces is being managed by the Civil Service when the police and army have their own allocation budget?” he questioned.
Bumburing also raised the issue of the ESSCom director-general being a civilian.
“In terms of command logistics, he has problems issuing instructions to the police and the army since both have their own line of command. Hence, I propose that a deputy director-general of ESSCom to come from either the police or army, or that ESSCom be placed under the jurisdiction of the police,” he said.
He said the federal government must take serious measures speedily to avoid other untoward incidents from happening again.