Published on: Tuesday, March 19, 2013 |
"Just because Sabahans are peace loving and gentle people, that does not mean we are cowards," he said, adding that 125,000 volunteers from all over the country are ready in case the violence escalates.
These volunteers comprised not only Malays but also Kadazans, Dusuns, Muruts, Suluks, Bisayas, Dayaks, Ibans, Chinese, Indians, Rungus, Sungai, Bugis and 63 other ethnic groups.
Zulkarnain said these volunteers could be summoned at a moment's notice to protect the sovereignty of the country, in this case, Sabah.
"We will defend every inch of our land to the last drop of blood," he said and also urged Jamalul Kiram III to repent because what he was doing was against the laws of the country and Islam.
He said the NGO would be sending a memorandum to Jamalul through the Philippines Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Jamalul, he said, should know by now that Sabah became part of Malaysia after it signed the agreement to form the Federation of Malaysia.
He also said Jamalul, as a Muslim, should know it is "haram" (forbidden) to encroach into another country and kill their Muslim brothers as well as non-Muslims.
Zulkarnain said a similar memorandum would also be sent Misuari not to meddle in Sabah affairs. "He should not make threatening statements to seize Sabah (from Malaysia) or to disturb stability in the state," he said.
Pakatan Pro BN has also sent an invitation letter to several reporters in Manila as well as representatives from the Philippines Embassy to attend a briefing in Kuala Lumpur on what actually transpired in Lahad Datu and Semporna.
He said the Philippines media have been providing incorrect information to its people through its erroneous and hearsay reports. He said Pakatan Pro BN is willing to pay their return tickets and lodging.
A peaceful protest in front of the Philippines Embassy in Kuala Lumpur recently saw about 200 people from the NGO and from 112 NGOs in Sabah, Sarawak and peninsula participating.
He said the group criticised President of Sabah Reform Movement (PPPS), Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin and PKR Vice-President, Tian Chua, for insinuating that Umno was responsible in the intrusion in Lahad Datu and Semporna.
"The BN is not a desperate party to resort to such tactic to gain support from the voters by compromising the sovereignty of the country.
Zulkarnain said in other countries, both the opposition and the ruling government are very united in matters pertaining to security.
"But in Malaysia, it is the opposite".
He urged Pakatan Rakyat (PR) de facto leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to explain about his meeting with Misuari just before the intrusion in Lahad Datu. "We also want Tian Chua to explain why he went to Manila just before the intrusion and who he met while there and what were the issues they discussed."
Zulkarnain also sent a letter to Philippine President, Benigno Aquino III to thank him for his commitment in the Lahad Datu intrusion and for acknowledging that the intruders were terrorists.
He said that Aquino should be commended for adopting the discussion method to resolve problems.
He said the Philippines should agree to a joint patrolling of the maritime borders it shares with Malaysia against future intrusions in the spirit of Asean.
