Be transparent on security: Anwar
Published on: Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Kota Kinabalu: There is a need for the Government to be transparent when it comes to security, in particular the current situation in the East Coast which is now under Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).Pakatan Rakyat (PR) de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Government should not keep on saying that security in Sabah is in order, only to get a slap when another attack or intrusion occurs."First of all, I appreciate the Federal Government has deployed more security forces, expertise, manpower and assets to strengthen the security in eastern Sabah.ADVERTISEMENT "But at the same time, the Government must be transparent in their efforts of beefing up the security and they should not simply say that everything is in orderÉwhen suddenly, another attack happens. "They must be clear about everything and inform the public that has the right to know the real situation. Do not cover up," he said.Anwar, who is also Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser, said this to reporters after breaking fast with PKR Sabah, PAS and DAP Sabah at the residence of PKR Sabah Chairman Datuk Lajim Ukin here.Like the 12-hour curfew on East Coast waters, Anwar said PR supported the move as it is a security measure and must be done although the 15-day curfew is affecting the economy."Actually I am not convinced why they could not handle a group of insurgents in eastern Sabah and this is the security situation that they have to deal with.ADVERTISEMENT "I believe the government must also have a timeline to clear all of this and they have to deal with it, now. "Hence, we are urging the government to take serious note of security and should come out in full force as it is causing economic hardship to the people (in Sabah)," he said.In another development, Anwar said the implementation of Hudud law was not in the PR agenda as they agreed in 2010.
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"So, whatever new thing that is brought up by any party in the coalition, it must be brought up in the PR Council meeting. That is the provision that we took and decided four years ago."DAP has brought up the issue and PAS must table the matter in the meeting," he said when asked for comment that DAP Sarawak might quit the coalition if Hudud law is implemented.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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On the recent suspension of DAP-Likas assemblyman Junz Wong by the State Legislative Assembly, Anwar said he totally disagreed with such punishment on Wong and that it would be a serious matter if his monthly allowance and salary were also stopped."What happened to Wong was very unfortunate and it really shows lack of understanding of democracy and respect for having different opinions," he said.