Day 12 of Ops Daulat

Sabah Police Commissioner, Datuk Hamza Taib during a press conference in Lahad Datu today said Malaysia will ensure the Sulu terrorist leader, Azimuddie Kiram be brought to justice and be responsible for what he has done.

According to him, as a result of good cooperation between Malaysia and the Philippines’ government, Azimuddie will be brought to Malaysia to face the charges.

In the same event, Hamza stressed that the security forces need to ensure the areas are completely safe before allowing the residents to return to their homes.

This is because, the area is feared to have mines left by the enemies and attack aftermath carried out by the security forces.

Meanwhile, security forces arrested a man believed to be a Sulu terrorist in Felda Sahabat 17 area today.

According to Hamza, the suspect was arrested at 6.30am when the security forces were conducting their operation in the area and he had been taken to the police station for further investigation.

The ‘mopping out’ operation is still being conducted and it has now been narrowed to Tanjung Batu especially at thick bushes and palm oil plantation areas.

Despite the clearing, residents are not allowed to enter as matters are still being discussed with the security committee.

Chief Secretary, Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa today said a meeting following the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) will be held as soon as possible to discuss matters regarding the establishment of a special security area in Sabah.

This is following an announcement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on the establishment of ESSCOM to ensure the nation’s safety and sovereignty.

Following an allegation saying an opposition leader from the Philippines has been ‘sponsoring’ Jamalul Kiram III’s family to invade Lahad Datu, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Malaysia will use diplomatic connection to gain information from the Philippines’ government.

He said that he had read a statement by the Philippines’ defense secretary, Voltaire T Gazmin stating that the Philippines’ government found a few evidence regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi denied Philippines media allegedly blocked from getting a true picture of ‘Ops Daulat’ in Lahad Datu.

He added, the government will further discuss whether to allow Philippines diplomat in the country to visit the Sulu detained terror suspects.