Musa rises to the defence of Rela following Shafie’s remarks

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman today came to the defence of Rela members who are being sent to the high security Esszone area in the east coast of the state in the face of criticism by Parti Warisan Sabah president Shafie Apdal who apparently claimed they were only good for traffic and crowd control.

Musa who broke his silence on the controversy that has dogged Shafie did not mention him by name but openly rebuked him for belittling the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela), pointing out that the opposition leader had himself benefitted from the services of Rela members when he was in government.

“A certain opposition political leader dared look down on Rela and the video of him running down the capability of the volunteer corps was plainly there for everyone to see,” Musa said.

“He said that Rela did not know how to use rifles, bombs and in fact all they knew was to direct road traffic and do guard duty at kenduri kahwin (marriage reception parties).

“As a leader, I’ve never belittled Rela. Belittling people especially the Rela is not our way and culture. Whether small or big, the contribution of Rela is important because they give their service for the welfare of the rakyat.

“Even when he was a federal minister, he received help from Rela, therefore he should not be arrogant.”

Musa was speaking at the official launch of the commencement of duty of Rela at the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) at the corps’ training centre in Tuaran near here.

It could not be immediately established how many are being sent to Esszone but Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had in September last year stated that more than 120,000 Rela members would be stationed at Esszone in phases, starting with 500.

Deputy Home Minister Masir Kujat and other dignitaries were present at the launch ceremony. About 1,000 Rela members attended the ceremony, many of whom cheered Musa during his criticism of the former Umno vice-president.

Earlier, at the same ceremony, Rela director-general Zulkifli Abidin urged Rela members to prove their sincerity in carrying out their duty.

“What’s wrong with doing guard and road traffic duty if it’s for the sake of the people? There’s no need to insult us. I urge all Rela members to prove the allegations wrong. Even in the face of danger and against the enemies, Rela will not falter. We’ll keep giving our service with utmost loyalty.”

A video clip that went viral is said to contain Shafie’s comment during a meet-the-people gathering in Tuaran recently.

The clip was also uploaded by a local news portal with the caption “Shafie Apdal hina 3.05 juta anggota Rela” (Shafie Apdal insults 3.05 million Rela members).

It had received more than 50 comments as of Tuesday, including one from a Mohd Jagoan who attempted to explain the context of Shafie’s speech.

He said in fact Shafie was not degrading Rela members but simply questioning the government’s seriousness in safeguarding Esszone areas.

“Why rely on Rela when the government can empower Esscom (Eastern Sabah Security Command)? Where is the army (battalion) that was promised to guard Esszone?

“Rela members, if it is true they will be directly involved in safeguarding Esszone, should demand a pay rise or full-time salary from the government instead of bashing Shafie,” he said.

A police report was subsequently lodged against Shafie by a Rela member in Tawau calling on him to apologise for belittling the corps.

In the days that followed Warisan deputy president Darrell Leiking had also spoken out in defence of Shafie, saying the party chief’s comments on the matter had been taken out of context.

FMT has contacted Shafie for comments and is awaiting is reply. -FMT