KOTA KINABALU: Penampang member of parliament Darell Leiking has condemned the evil act of kidnapping and called it an ‘act of war’ against the sovereignty of Malaysia.
While sending his concerns and sympathies to the families of the four Sarawakians kidnapped, he said it would appear the kidnappers had specifically targeted Malaysians.
In a statement, Darell said if the kidnappers were Philippine nationals, it is incumbent upon Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to immediately act by calling his counterpart in the Philippines to condemn this act of aggression against Malaysian citizens and the nation, as well as for the Philippine police, navy and military to act to apprehend these kidnappers.
He also called on Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman to immediately call for an emergency cabinet meeting and invite Najib, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman as well as Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein to attend and discuss this brutal attack.
“Despite the hundreds of millions spent on Esscom (Eastern Sabah Security Command) and other security apparatus to defend our shores and territorial waters, these kidnappers have again shown how easy it is for them to breach and insult our security measures.
“This latest of the many incidents which have already happened now adds fuel and fear over how safe we are, especially since the Minister of Home Affairs had already announced a few weeks back that every district in Sabah is now unsafe with Sulu commanders or sleeper cells who are a real and present danger to date.
“I urge the authorities to show the seriousness in dealing with this crime by immediately reviewing the loopholes and security strategy and to issue an order to shoot to kill or to maim these kidnappers so that fear will come to the hearts and souls of these evil criminals who cross our border and sovereignty.
“The federal and state governments should also assure our citizens and all tourists that our nation’s security is intact and safe.”