Dr M admits gov't misread Lahad Datu situation

The government originally viewed the Lahad Datu incursion as an internal threat and hence they sent in the police instead of the army, said former PM Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

According to Bernama, Mahathir responded to criticism over the handling of the matter saying that they had misread the situation.

"At first we did not think the intrusion was as an external threat for they were on our shore. 

“However, when it is clear that the invasion is an attack from outside, the military was ordered to move in," he told reporters after addressing a gathering organised by the Perak branch of  rights pressure group MalayPerkasa in Bagan Serai today.  

He explained that the country's security threats were based on whether they were internal or external threats.      

"External threats are handled by the armed forces while internal threats are dealt with by the police,” said Mahathir.

On claims that the government appeared to be soft in dealing with the intruders, he said the government did not want to kill them because they also have families and friends in Sabah.      
     
"That's why we acted cautiously at first. After all, they are Muslims, and we are Muslims. We do not want to be hasty, but they acted in bad faith by gunning down two of our policemen. Now, the stalemate can no longer be resolved through negotiation," he said.

However the former PM has had a change of heart and is now calling for the armed intruders to be “eliminated”.     

It is time to take drastic action against the Filipino armed men after their intrusion turned deadly in Lahad Datu and Semporna, he said.      

"There is no way out other than launching a counter-attack to eliminate the Sulu group.      

"Although many of them will be killed, this cannot be avoided because they had attacked Sabah, and not the other way round."

However, Mahathir cautioned the authorities to be prepared for retaliation from remnants of the group after they were decimated or got rid of Sabah.     

He said the Royal Malaysian Navy needed to tighten its surveillance on Sabah waters and check on boats from Tawi-Tawi and Jolo islands that could be smuggling in intruders or arms.      
         
"We cannot underestimate them, even though at first we think that their attempt to capture Sabah is a futile act, but they can become guerrillas and launch sporadic attacks in future," he said.      

On foreign media reports that intruders made their way to Lahad Datu at the "invitation" of an opposition politician, Dr Mahathir said the politician promised a lot of things for Sabah including giving autonomy if the opposition were to win the next general election.