KOTA KINABALU: The order to shoot to kill is a hasty call by the government when one of our “boys” in blue is under the captivity of the intruders.
This call was made by Kepayan assemblyman, Dr Edwin Bosi during the State Assembly sitting yesterday.
“That is my take on this order to shoot to kill. I have said that the government and ESSCOM must be creative and innovative in tackling the menace across the Sulu Sea and within the mainland.”
He recounted that historically, “we have learned that the Sulu Sea has never been a safe place to be in”.
“Pirates were there and they are still there. The Suluks have been in North Borneo longer than many other citizens. That is why they are defined as native of Sabah.”
“They believe that Sabah belongs to the Sultan of Sulu and this is given credence when Sabah pays a sum of RM5,300 per year to the Sultan of Sulu,” he added.
He said that the peaceful co-existence between the Suluk and the people of Sabah is one of convenience.
“Sabah took thousands of refugees from Southern Philippines during the 70s, provided them with citizenship and made them to vote.”
He then warned that Tanduo was just the beginning of a far more complex and protracted conflict.
“It is claiming their land back by force. The intensity of their effort is akin to the Palestinians wanting to claim back their land. We have to expect more problems. Political solution should have been pursued but the decision to give many illegals from Southern Philippines citizenship has aggravated the situation. For a short term political gain we are now facing one threat that can explode in our face.”
“How do we identify our enemies? Tanduo has proven that many of them were and are Malaysians. The dead are buried in Sabah. Our enemies are living with us.”
He then provided several proposals for solutions.
His first solution was to find a political solution to the Sabah claim. “We have to find a way to resolve this matter as these people are highly charged on their claim on Sabah,” he said.
His second solution was to use economic activity as per the BIMP EAGA and cited that economic development was a right approach to reducing the conflict.
Thirdly, he proposed for the re-issuance of the identity card for all Malaysians in Sabah, with strict procedure to follow.
Lastly, he said that the security forces should be beefed up. He also said that this should include reviving the second Sabah Rangers.