KOTA KINABALU: Kudat MP Datuk Verdon Bahanda urges the Federal Government to undertake a strategic security assessment for Sabah to examine the implications of growing military activities on Balabac Island in Palawan, which lies just 50km from Banggi Island.
Verdon said Balabac’s inclusion as one of the new sites under the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States, coupled with the Balikatan 2026 exercises involving US, Philippines and Australian forces, has direct consequences for Sabah’s security.
“A strategic security assessment for Sabah must be undertaken to examine the implications of military developments in Balabac,” said Verdon, whose Kudat constituency includes Pulau Banggi.
“These waters are a source of livelihood for our fishermen, an important trade route, and integral to the lives of Sabah’s coastal communities,” he said in a Facebook post.
Verdon hoped the Federal Government would strengthen maritime surveillance in Sabah’s northern waters in the Sulu Sea.
He said priority should be given to the safety and livelihoods of Sabah’s fishermen and island communities in all maritime security policies.
He believed that intensifying diplomatic engagement with Manila and Washington will ensure Sabah’s security interests are considered.
“We should use Asean platforms to promote transparency, military-to-military communication, and mechanisms to prevent any miscalculations,” he said, adding that Sabah seeks peace and cooperation, not confrontation and warned against complacency.
“Sabah wants peace, not an arms race. Sabah wants cooperation, not confrontation. But peace does not mean we can afford to take developments around us lightly,” he said in a Facebook post.
“The Federal Government, particularly the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence, must ensure that Sabah has the capability to monitor, protect and defend its own interests,” said the Verdon.
Recently, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim raised concern over the militarisation on Balabac Island, which is occurring amid the growing US-China rivalry for influence in the South China Sea.
Verdon said that Sabah’s geographic position places it on the frontline of regional security dynamics.
“Sabah is geographically on the front line. Therefore, Sabah must also be at the forefront of shaping security policies that affect its territory and its people.
“Sabah wants to be a friend to all nations and an enemy to none. However, we will always remain firm in defending the security, sovereignty and interests of the people of Sabah,” he added.
