SHAH ALAM, 2nd MAR – Former Lieutenant General (B) Datuk Abdul Ghafir Abdul Hamid has urged the government to reassess their equipment and modus operandi, especially that of the security force so as to be more effective in preserving the existing borders and protecting it against invasion.
In spite of Sabah’s long and exposed shores, he believes in the competency of the security forces to protect and defend our waters well.
“We must know that the shores of Sabah are long. The equipment, such as radars can be used to detect ships passing through legally and illegally.”
“When we set the radar, we need a lot of resources while I feel is inadequate at the moment for such a huge area.”
“We need to reassess these things. Beginning with equipment and operation techniques which are more effective when one takes our present resources into account,” he mentioned to TvSelangor.
“There has been a failure in controlling our waters. In truth, the control of the shore and waters lie with the maritime team.”
“It is a wide area, but we have to be confident. However, failures occurred and our shores has been compromised.”
Media reports today reveal that two VAT69 Commando Officers were lost today in a shoot-out at Lahad Datu between the Malaysian security force and the Southern Filipino rebels.
The victims are Inspector Zulkifli Mamat and Sergeant Sabaruddin Daud whereas the three injured officers are Corporal Mohd Tarmizi Hashim, Corporal Mohd Qaiyum Afzal Zulkifli dan Corporal Azman Ampong.
The incident took place at 9.50 am, leading to twelve deaths of the rebel members. As many as 180 followers of the ‘Sultan of Sulu’ were surrounded by the rescue forces at Felda Sahabat 17, Kampung Tanduo.
The group of rebels had camped at Lahad Datu for over two weeks, claiming ownership of the State of Sabah which they allege belongs to the Sulu Sultanate.
Privately, Abdul Ghafir said that although the government wanted to solve this peacefully, such an approach can bring about loss to the country.