Probe teenager’s death in Lahad Datu

Several Pakatan Rakyat leaders said that the government should establish an independent team to probe the shooting that killed a teenager in the conflict zone.

PETALING JAYA: The government should establish an independent committee to investigate the shooting that killed a teenager in Lahad Datu, said several Pakatan Rakyat leaders.

On Sunday, Bernama reported a young boy, between the age of 12 and 15, was shot dead at the restricted “Red Zone” in Kampung Tanjung Batu, Sabah.

Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar said the incident occurred at 9.45am, while the security forces were advancing towards the targeted Kampung Sungai Bilis to track down Sulu intruders.

“The security forces were questioning two men and three women who had emerged from an undergrowth inside the ‘Red Zone” when they heard a rustle at a nearby bush, and spontaneously fired in that direction,” he was reported as saying.

No details were made available on the teenager’s background.

DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke said the government must set up an independent committee to probe the teenager’s death.

“An investigation is definitely needed. We must find out what happened,” said the Rasah MP

PKR vice-president N Surendran concurred with Loke, saying that the government cannot simply ignore this matter just because there is an intrusion in Sabah.

“Every human life is precious but this is more serious as a child was shot dead. It can seriously affect our nation’s image,” he said.

Surendran added, “The government should make the findings public. If there is unauthorised action, then the people responsible must be made accountable. ”
The lawyer-politician said that human rights cannot take a back seat just because there is conflict going on in Lahad Datu.

He added that it is imperative that the security forces keep civilians and non-combatants safe in the conflict zone.

“That is the standard we must adhere to. We must give Sabahans the confidence that our security operations are done properly,” said Surendran.

Training his guns on the government, he said that he was disappointed that the authorities did not apologise for the death of the teenager.

“The government did not even express regret on the matter,” he said.

On a related matter, former army deputy chief, Lieutenant- General Abd Ghaffir Abd Hamid, said “every life is precious. If it warrants a probe, then go ahead.”