Study the Lahad Datu intrusion, says Dr M

In other developments, PKR leader Tian Chua continues to come under attacks for allegedly saying that the Lahad Datu intrusion was a drama staged by Umno.

KLANG: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the government should identify how the Lahad Datu intrusion occurred, including the weaknesses of the country’s surveillance system.

“The study is important to determine whether the government should increase its defence spending from five per cent at present to buy better war equipment and weapons to deal with this kind of attack,” he told reporters after delivering a speech at a forum on ‘The Future of Malaysian Race’ here, today.

Mahathir said the study would help the government beef up its security in Lahad Datu for Sabah’s jagged coastline was vulnerable and easily infiltrated from neighbouring countries such as the Philippines.

In KOTA KINABALU, Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman said the people of Sabah were sad and angry with PKR leader Tian Chua who allegedly belittled the sacrifices made by security forces while others were silent over the intrusion.

Speaking to reporters after attending the Sabah Youth Patriotic Gathering – Dedication to National Heroes at Lintasan Deasoka here, today, he said the intrusion had caused much anxiety and confusion among the people in the state.

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein meanwhile said Tian Chua seems to have lost good values and humanity for allegedly saying that the Lahad Datu intrusion is a drama staged by Umno to scare the people and intimidate them.

He asked Tian Chua whether the killings of eight policemen by a group of ruthless Filipino gunmen during the intrusion was also part of the conspiracy.

“I want to ask him (Tian Chua) whether the pictures of tens of bodies found in the jungle that I’ve seen with my own eyes are also a drama?

“It is painful to see families, children and wives of policemen like Sergeant Baharin lost their love ones.

“Do not politicise everything just to fan hatred and sentiments among the people,” he told reporters after visiting the widow of Sergeant Baharin Hamit, one of the six policemen killed by Filipino intruders in Kampung Simunul, Semporna on March 2, at Inanam Laut near here, today.

Thanking Hishammuddin for visiting her, Sumiati, who has two children, said the visit had renewed their spirit in moments of sorrow.

“The children have acceptable the lost of their father and they are stable now. We are still sad, but we are more spirited now. We have understood the situation. The children are proud to see the pictures of their father on television.. They keep saying he is a national warrior,” she added.