|
 KOTA KINABALU,
November 9, 2016: Former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Yong Teck Lee said the
authorities in both the Philippines and Malaysia owe it to the people of
both countries, especially the ex-hostages and their families of the
infamous April 2000 Sipadan kidnapping, to tell all about the
circumstances of that cross-border crime.
Specifically, in view of the recent and sudden allegations of Malaysian "pemimpin"
involvement in that kidnapping, as reported in the media, there is public
interests now to know whether it was true or not that Malaysians or
Malaysian leader(s) were involved as alleged.
In his statement, Yong, who is also Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP)
President told that the news media at the time in 2000 showed that
Malaysian authorities had conducted extensive, inter-agency investigations
of an international dimension on the possible culprits behind that
international crime of which the victims are of several nationalities.
People would assume that the authorities would have found out who the real
culprits are and have taken action accordingly.
"Therefore, it is not sufficient for the Sabah Chief Minister to merely
ask for proof and for the Malaysian Inspector General of Police to give a
simple denial. Six days after the allegations first surfaced, the
authorities should have, by now, offered more facts such as the names of
the gangs involved, their leaders and background and what actions have
been taken against these people and what had happened to them. Further,
what actions have been taken to ensure that there would be no repeat of
such cross-border crimes. It is reasonable to assume that the facts of the
2000 Sipadan case are available in government files and records.
"Hence, the visit of the Philippines President to Malaysia tomorrow
(November 9) gives fresh hopes to Malaysians, especially Sabahans, that
there can be a complete and permanent stop to the cross-border kidnappings
and other crimes, and burying any hopes of the so-called "Sabah Claim" by
the Philippines.
"As the Minister in the PM Department (Shahidan Kassim) has admitted today
in Parliament that "It is a lucrative business which has resulted in
several groups emerging to cash in on kidnap-for-ransom", this reinforces
the legitimate fears of Malaysians that our security forces are failing to
protect Sabah despite the huge amount of budgets allocated. This shocking
admission by the government calls for urgent and drastic actions to be
taken against these treacherous groups or individuals," said Yong.
|
