Sabahans will not forget Lahad Datu incident — Musa

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LAHAD DATU: Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the people in the state would not forget the bloody incident that killed members of the security forces in the fight with Sulu terrorists in this district.

He said it was because of this, the people of Sabah were touched and grateful to members of the security forces for their sacrifices, especially in ensuring the success of Ops Daulat and the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).

“This is part of the history and black incident which will not be forgotten by Malaysians,” he said in his speech at a parade in conjunction with the handing over of Ops Daulat to Esscom at Felda Sahabat 16, about 130km from Lahad Datu town.

Musa said that he, on behalf of the state government and the people of Sabah, expressed his highest appreciation and thanks to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak for his concern and commitment in setting up Esscom on March 7 this year.

He said Ops Daulat would continue, but the name had been changed to “Operasi Sanggah” and placed under the control of Esscom.

The state government is satisfied with the effort made by the federal government in setting up Esscom and launching Ops Daulat, he added.

He said a total of 8,147 security members, comprising the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), were involved in Ops Daulat to defend the country’s sovereignty.

Following the Ops Daulat offensive, 72 terrorists were killed and 551 people were detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures Act) 2012.

Earlier, Musa launched the Esscom logo which symbolised the take-over of Ops Daulat by Esscom.

At the event, ATM chief General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Md Zin and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar carried out the handing over of Ops Daulat to Esscom director-general Datuk Mohammad Mentek.

Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein Onn, Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kasim and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. — Bernama