PETALING JAYA, 4 Mar: The highest leaders of Pakatan Rakyat (PR) slammed the action of the BN Government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, of willing to gamble the safety of the people of Sabah and security forces, following the invasion of foreign armed groups in Lahad Datu since 23 February.
In a joint statement issued by the three top leaders of PR, they mentioned that any national leaders, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, is responsible for defending the territorial sovereignty, security of the people and security forces.
The failure to defend national sovereignty and the security of the people is a betrayal to the people and tarnishes the people’s trust.
Therefore PR want to remind the leadership of the country to firmly defend the national territorial sovereignty and to not be negligent in ensuring the safety of each and every Malaysian citizen.
The joint press statement was issued by PKR Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, PAS President, Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and DAP Advisor, Lim Kit Siang this morning.
The incident of the invasion of a group of armed foreigners around Lahad Datu and Semporna is an act of negligence which cannot be excused. In fact, every inch of land in Sabah and the security of its people must be defended.
The statement also added that PR is disappointed and regretful of the attitude of the country’s leaders who do not display integrity and commitment in resolving this problem.
In relation to the issue, PR urged for the public to remain calm and to not take hasty action or to disseminate defamatory news which can cause anxiety.
The leadership of the country has also failed to deliver accurate, fast and transparent information and also to provide an explanation about what has happened to the general public, causing widespread rumors.
Pakatan Rakyat call for this issue to not be an arena to blame one another and the country’s leadership should focus on national security as well as to not distract the people’s view of their weaknesses.
“The government should realise that the priority is to defend the country’s sovereignty, national security and officers who are working tirelessly at the border,” said the joint statement.
Pakatan Rakyat invites all Malaysians to remain strong in supporting security forces, whether from the police or the military.We pray for them to stay safe and to be strong in defending the country and Malaysians from the threat of intruders.
In the meantime, Pakatan Rakyat demands for Parliament to hold a special session to discuss this invasion as well as to gather the true picture of the incident that broke out in Sabah.
“We also hope to hold a round-table conference between Pakatan Rakyat leaders and government leaders in efforts to reach mutual consensus on the issue.
“The invasion in Lahad Datu has taken the lives of two officers while the latest incident in Samporna has killed six national heroes.
“In relation to that, the entire leadership and supporters of PR extends condolences to their families and the people of Sabah and pray that may their souls be blessed,” the statement said.