Expedite Construction Of Two New GOF Complexes To Bolster Sabah Security - Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU, July 30 (Bernama) -- Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor wants the construction of two additional General Operations Force (GOF) battalion complexes to be expedited to bolster security in Sabah.

He said the two new battalions are Battalion 21 Keningau and Battalion 22 Kunak, adding that Sabah currently has five battalions in Kinarut, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Sandakan and Beluran.

“Sabah is a vast state and surrounded by three seas - the South China Sea in the West, the Sulu Sea in the North East and the Celebes Sea in the East, while on the southern side, Sabah shares borders with Indonesia.

“Therefore, the additional two GOF complexes is necessary not only to stop subversive movements but also block smuggling activities of fuel, logs, drugs among others,” he said at the launch of the Op Daulat Tanduo book entitled ‘General Operations Force, Sabah Brigade: Eliminating Terrorists and The Fifth Column in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu’ at Menara Kinabalu here today.

Hajiji also commended the Sabah PGA and Sabah Archive Department for collaborating in the publication of the book, now an official historical document on the 2013 Tanduo intrusion.

“I would like to congratulate the project team and all individuals involved in the compilation of the book. The security operations like the terrorist intrusion in Kampung Tanduo is an example of our security forces’ bravery and commitment," he said.

The incident in February 2013 stemmed from the action of a terrorist group claiming Sabah for the defunct Sulu Sultanate, which Hajiji said has never been recognised by the Malaysian Government.

“The Sulu Sultanate has ceased to exist for several decades and is not recognised by any sovereign country or international organisation. It was a baseless attempt by the group to claim sovereignty over a region of Malaysia,” he said.

The Chief Minister also reiterated the Sabah Government's stance not to recognise any demand from those claiming to be the sultanate heirs.

“This stance is clear and in line with the voice of Sabahans who have chosen to form the Federation of Malaysia through the Malaysia Agreement in 1963. Hence, any outside claim will never be entertained by the state government and the people,” he said.

Hajiji said the sacrifices of the security forces, particularly during the Tanduo incident, were huge as they fought for the country's sovereignty and people's security with their lives.

“The role of the GOF in the incident is very much appreciated by all Malaysians because, without their bravery and sacrifices, the country's sovereignty was at stake. Therefore, I hope this book will benefit the public who want to know more about the terrorist incursion in Tanduo and the sacrifices of our security forces.

“As citizens of Malaysia, we must take stock of the incident and further strengthen our patriotic spirit in ensuring the country's sovereignty continues to be protected and preserved,” he said.

Throughout the 11 years since the Tanduo incursion, the government has taken a critical step in forming the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) which has greatly helped in returning Lahad Datu to normal, he said, adding that ESSCOM together with the Malaysian Armed Forces, Marine Police and GOF had further bolstered the surveillance in Sabah waters.

-- BERNAMA