Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Shahidan Kassim, who was trying to give his reasons for the latest kidnapping case, had his hands full facing the dissatisfaction that arose over his answers.
Oscar Ling (DAP-Sibu) accused the government of spending billions of ringgit for security in Sabah yet failing to protect the area.
“We spend billions on Esscom but there isn’t enough security in east Sabah.
“Esscom’s failure is due to corruption and power abuse. The minister should resign. He must be held responsible.
“Let a more suitable candidate hold the post,” he said while debating on the Sabah kidnapping today.
Shahidan is in charge of Esscom.
Shahidan ordered Ling to retract his statement and asked Ling to name officials who were on the take.
Khalid Samad (Amanah-Shah Alam) told Shahidan to accept his failure as a minister.
“You have failed. Accept the fact you’ve failed to care for the people.
“You are repeatedly giving excuses. You have failed, the government failed. Apologise to Malaysians for that.”
Meanwhile, Shafie Apdal (BN-Semporna) said discussions in the Dewan alone were not sufficient.
“We must have something more concrete. We need to have a white paper. Since 2012, there have been nine incidents and more than eight were in my constituency.”
He also suggested to hold the Philippine government responsible for the kidnapping cases.
This was because most of terrorists were from southern Philippines and faced social and economic problems. This group, he said, would continue to seek random ways to make easy money.
Shafie said the government should take the Philippines to the International Court of Justice or United Nations to end the island state’s claim on Sabah.
Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) also took Esscom to task over the latest kidnapping case.
However, Shahidan defended Esscom.
“We have prevented kidnapping for ransom in tourist and fishing areas. They have moved to softer targets in areas further from security areas.”
He also announced immediate measures following the kidnapping.
“All barter trade, and ferry services are suspended temporarily with immediate effect. There would be strict monitoring of all sailing and trade activities.”
Shahidan did not reply when asked why it took the government almost two hours to detect the latest kidnapping case.
He explained the incident took place at 6.15pm and the authorities only knew about the case at 8.30pm.
He urged crewmen to alert the authorities by pushing the distress button when attacked.
The incident took place at Pulau Lingitan, Sabah, on April 1.
Four Malaysians were kidnapped by gunmen off the coast of Semporna on Friday night. Aged between 21 and 34, they were heading to Tawau to pick up supplies after delivering logs to Manila.
Their tugboat was intercepted by masked gunmen near Ligitan Island just before the nightly curfew, which starts at 7pm.