PEKAN, March 1 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today that the group of armed Filipino intruders in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, should accept the offer to surrender and leave the area as soon as possible.
“We have been very courteous in tackling the intrusion issue in Lahad Datu. We are trying to prevent bloodshed and to solve the issue nicely, but those involved must realise that what they did was a big and serious mistake.
“They should take our offer to withdraw from the area as soon as possible. The longer they stay, the more dangerous the situation will be for them,” Najib(picture) told reporters here.
The prime minister was commenting on the shootout incident in the area today after the group, led by Agbimuddin Kiram, the brother of Sultan of Sulu, Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, refused to leave the area after taking control of the area for more than three weeks by making several demands.
Najib, however, stressed that the government viewed seriously the incident in Lahad Datu.
“We will not let this issue prolong. I would like to give the assurance that we view this issue very seriously and we will do what it takes to defend the sovereignty of our country,” he said.
Najib also said appropriate action would also be taken to tighten security in Sabah.
He also agreed with the recent remarks made by Philippine President Benigno Aquino III that the intruders should not test the patience of the Malaysian authorities.
“What he (Aquino) said is true. Don’t test our patience because it has a limit. We have a plan to make them withdraw from the village, but it is best for them to just surrender and leave peacefully,” he said.
Earlier, Najib launched the Kuala Pahang Rural Transformation Centre here. — Bernama
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