Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak declared today that Sabah will remain part of the Federation of Malaysia "forever" and the country will do whatever necessary to keep it that way.
"No one should underestimate Malaysia's resolve to uphold the principle that Sabah is part of Malaysia forever and (this) cannot be questioned by anyone, be it from within or outside the country.
"We will defend this principle, fact and reality with absoluteness and the entire strength we have," Najib told a press conference at Felda Sahabat Residence in Sabah.
"No one should underestimate Malaysia's resolve to uphold the principle that Sabah is part of Malaysia forever and (this) cannot be questioned by anyone, be it from within or outside the country.
"We will defend this principle, fact and reality with absoluteness and the entire strength we have," Najib told a press conference at Felda Sahabat Residence in Sabah.
Flanked by Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman and several federal ministers including Maximus Ongkili, Bernard Dompok, Shafie Apdal, Anifah Aman and Jamil Khir Baharom, Najib was earlier briefed on the ongoing Ops Daulat against the Filipino intruders.
The prime minister said the dispute over Sabah should not arise as agreements dating back to 1878 proved the state to be a legal territory of Malaysia.
Furthermore, he said, two-thirds of Sabahans had agreed to join Malaysia in a survey based on the principles of self-determination that was done by the Cobbold Commission and this was recognised by the United Nations.
"Therefore, based on law and the democratic voice of the people, the question of Sabah not being a part of Malaysia should not be questioned by anyone," Najib said.
A boost for area security
He also announced at the press conference measures to improve the long-term security for the east coast of Sabah with the creation of a ‘Special Security Area’.
To cover the area from Kudat to Tawau, with Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna in between, the Special Security Area will see a boost in security forces guarding the area permanently.
"The government has decided to boost this special area with five battalions, with a combination of police and army, the proportions of which will be decided at a later time," Najib said.
Furthermore, these areas would see the creation of more bases to facilitate security forces guarding the east coast of Sabah, with the command centre based in Lahad Datu, which will be overseen by Musa Aman.
Najib said he met with a group of Suluk community leaders in Tawau earlier and they pledged their loyalty to Malaysia.
"They took an oath, in which they also condemned the actions of the intruders and pledged to support the federal and state governments.
"They said they will not assist this group (of intruders) as they are peace-loving Malaysians," Najib added.
Furthermore, he said, two-thirds of Sabahans had agreed to join Malaysia in a survey based on the principles of self-determination that was done by the Cobbold Commission and this was recognised by the United Nations.
"Therefore, based on law and the democratic voice of the people, the question of Sabah not being a part of Malaysia should not be questioned by anyone," Najib said.
A boost for area security
He also announced at the press conference measures to improve the long-term security for the east coast of Sabah with the creation of a ‘Special Security Area’.
To cover the area from Kudat to Tawau, with Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna in between, the Special Security Area will see a boost in security forces guarding the area permanently."The government has decided to boost this special area with five battalions, with a combination of police and army, the proportions of which will be decided at a later time," Najib said.
Furthermore, these areas would see the creation of more bases to facilitate security forces guarding the east coast of Sabah, with the command centre based in Lahad Datu, which will be overseen by Musa Aman.
Najib said he met with a group of Suluk community leaders in Tawau earlier and they pledged their loyalty to Malaysia.
"They took an oath, in which they also condemned the actions of the intruders and pledged to support the federal and state governments.
"They said they will not assist this group (of intruders) as they are peace-loving Malaysians," Najib added.
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