Sabah CM says weighing aid for families of fallen officers

Family members of Inspector Zulkifli Mamat and Corporal Sabarudin Daud, who were the killed in the Sabah standoff, recite prayers at the RMAF base in Subang March 2, 2013. — Reuters picKOTA KINABALU, March 4 — The Sabah government will consider giving suitable aid to the families of police personnel who were killed during the recent gunfire in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu and an ambush in Semporna.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the matter will be discussed at the next meeting of the state executive council.

“Fair considerations will be given to help the families of those who were killed in the two incidents,” he told reporters after paying his last respect to the slain Detective Sergeant Baharin Hamit at Kota Kinabalu International Airport here today.

Present were Deputy Chief Ministers Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin and Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai. Baharin, 49, from Sabah police contingent headquarters, was one of the six policemen killed in the ambush by armed intruders in Kampung Seri Jaya, Simunul, Semporna last Saturday.

The other five are Supt Ibrahim Lebar from Bukit Aman, ASP Michael Fadil from Semporna police headquarters, Sergeant Aziz Sarikun from Tawau General Operations Forces, Cpl Salam Tongiran from Tawau police headquarters and L/Cpl Mohd Azrol Tukiran from Tawau General Operations Forces.

Musa said on behalf of the state government and all Malaysians in Sabah, he would like to extend condolences to the families of the policemen who were killed in the ambush by armed intruders in Semporna.

“Indeed we are sad and feel sorry for the families. We hope they will be patient and strong in coping with the death of their loved ones.

“Let’s also pray to Allah to grant our national heroes eternal peace,” he said.

At the same time, the chief minister also called on the public to stay united.

“The people must continue to believe in the capability of our national security forces in tackling the issue, defending the country’s sovereignty and ensuring the people’s safety,” he added. — Bernama