A case of false patriotism?
Published on: Friday, August 19, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: Many locals possessing MyKads in the Esscom areas and who voted in Sabah do not even know when the country as well as Sabah achieved independence, much less the history of the nation and State – although their homes may be flying the Malaysian or Sabah flags.These shock findings were reported in a paper entitled "Spatial Distribution of Nationalism Perception among Communities in East Coast of Sabah: A Geographical Analysis" by Oliver Valentine Eboy (pic), Zaini Otman and Fauzie Sarjono. It was presented at the 10th International Malaysian Studies Conference (MSC10) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) on Monday.
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The conference was held in conjunction with the "Merdeka Month" and the study was conducted in Esscom areas along the East Coast."Nationalism is the feeling of belonging by the people who express their loyalty to the territory and passionately devote themselves towards its welfare and prosperity," explained Oliver.He said the Lahad Datu intrusion on Feb 11, 2013 and frequent cross-border kidnappings by the southern Philippine-based that led to the setting up of Esscom and curfew imposed in certain areas of the East Coast would not work if the level of nationalism among the people in these areas is very poor, especially those who have relations "with two countries" (He did not named the two countries).The data was based on the survey conducted by the Sabah Strategic & Security Research Centre in early 2016 in 35 locations in Kudat, Kota Marudu, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Tawau and Kalabakan involving 140 questions on nationalism, political identity and security survival.
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For GIS process, all the data collected were included in the parliamentary boundary in GIS format consists of 10 areas, namely Kota Marudu, Kudat, Beluran, Libaran, Sandakan, Batu Sapi, Kinabatangan, Kalabakan, Silam and Semporna throng by migrants."Even in the recent court hearings on the Tanduo intrusion, a policeman was found collaborating with foreign elements.
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This could be because of marriages or liaison with foreigners." It was previously reported that one of the reasons why authorities fail when conducting raids on these settlements is these folks being tipped off in advance. The possibility of some enforcement personnel keeping extra wives or mistresses among the illegal immigrant population was not ruled out, hence the explanation of low success rate in raids.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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