Hisham: Room for talks still open on Lahad Datu intrusion

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein today said that the Malaysian government is still open for negotiations to find the best suitable solutions to the Lahad Datu intrusion issue in Kampung
Tanduo in Lahad Datu, which had been ongoing since Feb 12. 

“I can confirm that there is always room for negotiations and for the relevant quarters to help us in finding the best solutions to the issue, but this does not mean that we are nodding to any quarters,” he said. 

He said room for negotiations was opened to ensure that the issue would not lead to any untoward incidents, bloodshed or death. 

“In any situations, our focus is to solve the issue in the best possible way. This is our modus operandi... our way to save lives. If certain or other quarters feel that they can help those involved in the issue, be rational and cooperate with us, the sooner the issue will be solved. 

“I would also like to ask all quarters to allow the security forces to do their jobs,” he told reporters after attending the briefing on the issue at the General Operations Forces base in Lahad Datu today. 

Present were Director of Internal Security and Public Order Department Salleh Mat Rashid and Sabah police commissioner Hamza Taib. 

Hishammuddin also called on all quarters to stop making speculations and spreading rumours about the issue. 

Last Tuesday, boats ferrying over 100 armed men wearing military fatigues landed on Lahad Datu's shore and the Malaysian police had identified them to be supporters of Sulu Sultanate from the southern Philippines. 

Hishammuddin said the approach adopted by the Malaysian security forces in tackling the issue was to provide options to prevent the issue from being sensationalised and politicised by local and international societies. 

“I hope those involved in the issue will not push the authorities to that extent. We have told them that Sabah’s sovereignty and security will not be compromised. If they cannot accept it, then when the time comes, we shall do what needs to be done,” he said. 

The minister also called on the mainstream and social media not to do anything that could affect the government’s efforts to solve the issue. 

150 armed men, not 1,500 as claimed

Hishammuddin also stressed that the armed men who arrived in Kampung Tanduo numbered not more than 150, and not 1,500 as claimed by certain quarters. 

He said the village, currently occupied by the group, was located in the interior area of Sabah, about 130 kilometres from Lahad Datu. 

“The intrusion does not involve kidnapping or confinement of villagers and Malaysians. In fact, there is no risk to our people... so, I hope all speculations and rumours will be stopped,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the minister said the Royal Malaysian Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Malaysian Armed Forced were in the state of full preparedness in monitoring the situation and controlling the borders in the east coast of Sabah to prevent further intrusion. 

He said Wisma Putra, as well as the intelligence agencies of both countries were always collaborating and working closely in regards of the issue.

- Bernama