PETALING JAYA: MCA has urged the Government to take a two-pronged approach to defend the nation’s security and sovereignty.
Central Committee member Datuk Lua Choon Hann said the government should tackle incursions, such as the recent attack on Pulau Mabul, by strengthening the military and police while looking into possible elements of corruption.
Lua, who is also the strategic planning and research committee deputy chairman, said the police and military should be well equipped and have the necessary training in dealing with such militants.
“The second approach will be to investigate elements of corruption and leaks so that our defence will not be easily penetrated in future,” said Lua in a statement.
He said last Saturday’s fatal attack on marine police Kpl Abdul Rajah Jamuan, as well as the kidnapping of Kons Zakiah Aliep, by heavily armed Filipino gunmen, was an act that “has reached the limit”.
Lua, who offered his deepest condolences to Abdul Rajah’s family, said the government must take a tough stance and strengthen its intelligence capabilities to deal with armed militants.
He said plans to restructure the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and the use of national oil company Petronas’s offshore drilling rigs as a base should be implemented immediately.
MIC Wanita chief M.Mohana said Esscom must increase its vigilance in the wake of such incidences, which has proved that the safety and stability of the nation cannot be taken for granted.
Mohana also offered her condolences to Abdul Rajah’s family and hoped Zakiah will also return safely.