Anwar, Yong and Jeffrey demand Zahid show proof
Published on: Sunday, April 28, 2013
Kota Kinabalu: Although not seeing eye-to-eye on seat allocations for the May 5 elections, all three opposition parties - PKR, SAPP and Star - were united in their demand Saturday that Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi back up his claim that three opposition members are involved in the Sulu gunmen intrusion in Lahad Datu last February.They said it was irresponsible for the Defence Minister to play politics with security matters.PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in Beaufort: "I would like to know what so-called proof do they have. It seems that the opposition is blamed for everything.
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"The next time Manchester United loses, they will say it is our fault." Speaking at a ceramah at the house of Beaufort PKR candidate Datuk Lajim Ukin, he said Hamidi's statement that three opposition leaders were involved in the intrusion was yet another attempt to link him to the intrusion.Anwar said he had no issues with the Sulu people, some of whom provided vital labour for Sabah's construction sector."The Sulu people are not our enemies. But we stand against any form of terrorism," he added.
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Hamidi had said the three opposition leaders - two from the peninsula and one from Sabah - were the culprits behind the Sulu gunmen intrusion.He said the authorities had evidence on the opposition's involvement in the incident and were gathering more evidence to build a strong case against the trio. Hamidi said evidence gathered would be submitted to the Attorney General for the next course of action.
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Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee said the Minister is neither here nor there in making the allegations."The Government should take immediate action as it involves national security," he said.Star also challenged Zahid to give proof that 35 terrorists were killed by the Philippines security forces in Sibutu Island on Nomination Day.Its Sabah chairman, Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said in a statement that the denial by the Philippines that such a thing ever happened raises a lot of doubts in the minds of Malaysian people about the veracity of Zahid's claim."He seems to be quoting only Malaysian sources, there is no corroborating evidence from any outside sources," Jeffrey said. "So what is really happening? "Is Umno again resorting to scare tactics to connive and frighten the people into voting for the BN? Is this an additional feed to add on to the Prime Minister's words that only the BN can provide defence for Sabah?"Jeffrey claimed that the security or insecurity position today, and the imposition of Esszone were the results of the failure of the BN government to take quick and decisive action against the intruders. "Why? Because, it was reported that many of them were Suluk Umno members led by a Suluk Umno branch chief," he charged. "Part of their claim for the restoration of their lands was affirmed by the locals claiming that their land was also 'taken back' during the Felda FGVH listing as these lands were within the Felda land titles although Umno leaders had promised they would be given to these Suluk Umno members."As for opposition leaders being involved, the Minister should name them if he has the proof and take action against them in accordance with the laws. Otherwise, the caretaker Minister should refrain from making irresponsible and sweeping statements against the opposition and lying to the people especially in Sabah," he said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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