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Don’t risk future with militant threat looming, minister reminds Sabah – Bernama

Jangan anggap PRK Rompin mudah, kata Hishammuddin

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (pic) has reminded all parties, especially those trying to raise the issue of separating Sabah from Malaysia, not to mortgage the future of the people and the state for the sake of their personal agenda.

He said the group, which he described as having "no other work other than politics", should look at the issue from the perspective of Sabah's security because the slightest mistake might invite the gravest of consequences.

All that they had fought for, including power, would be in vain, he said.

"I do want to express my concerns regarding security threats in Sabah and Sarawak. I see what's happening in the world, more so specifically related to Islamic militants, the Islamic State and what we see in Iraq and Syria.

"Today, I will reveal the statement of support by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (Biff) and the Abu Sayyaf for the Islamic State. This is not to scare the people of Sabah but this is an open fact, because the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) had previously expressed their desire to establish an Islamic Caliphate, comprising southern Philippines, Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Indonesia.

"So, this is the threat facing Sabah if it is swayed by political polemic sentiments filled with racial and religious issues. This is the rift that exists in other countries exploited by certain quarters.

"I take the opportunity today to remind Umno leaders and the people of Sabah that there are limits and restrictions in our politics, there are limits and boundaries for us to secure a seat and power.

"In the event of what happens in countries that 'do not pass the test during these trying times', all the high positions and high ranks will become meaningless. If the country is thrown into chaos and the people are not united, the country will eventually be taken over by irresponsible parties," he added.

Hishammuddin, who is also Umno vice-president, was speaking to reporters after opening the Penampang Umno Division Delegates' meeting in Kota Kinabalu today. Also present was Penampang Umno division chief Datuk John Ambrose.

Based on Biff's statement as shown by Hishammuddin, its spokesman, Abu Misry Mama reportedly said that they were working with Islamic State and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

According to Hishammuddin, the Nigerian militant group, Boko Haram, had also announced plans to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria and support the Islamic State, and is now in the southern Philippines.

This development should serve as a lesson to Sabah, he cautioned.

However, he said, based on intelligence received, Biff support for Islamic State and threats against Malaysia had not reached the level that required Malaysia to enhance its security vigilance as had been done by the United Kingdom and Australia, which have put their security on high alert. – Bernama, September 21, 2014.