Kota Kinabalu: Parti Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said Sabahans should remain alert but not fearful following recent military developments in Balabac, in the southern Philippines.
The former Chief Minister said the situation called for stronger border security rather than panic.
“The developments in Balabac should be taken seriously, especially because they are happening so close to Sabah. But there is no reason to panic,” he said, in a statement.
He said Malaysia had always pursued an independent and non-aligned foreign policy, maintaining good relations with both the United States and China and should continue to do so without being drawn into rivalry between major powers.
He said increased military activity near Sabah’s waters was a reminder that the security situation around the State was changing and called for the State’s defence, maritime surveillance and border security to be strengthened accordingly.
“Sabah should never become caught in the rivalry between major powers,” he said, calling for efforts to strengthen the State’s security and defence to be treated as a matter above party politics.
“I support efforts to strengthen Sabah’s security and defence. This should go beyond politics. The Federal Government must ensure that our Armed Forces, Eastern Sabah Security Command and other security agencies have the equipment, technology and resources they need, particularly in northern and eastern Sabah,” he said.
He said Malaysia must continue to engage the Philippines, the United States, China and its Asean neighbours through diplomacy to keep the region peaceful and stable.
He said Sabah’s support for the formation of Malaysia together with other states in 1963 meant the security of Sabah was inseparable from the security of Malaysia and that the country’s sovereignty must never be compromised.
“Sabahans should not be afraid but we must remain alert and prepared. We must protect our borders while continuing to pursue peace through diplomacy,” he said.
