'Special branch working with Filipino intelligence'

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the Royal Malaysian Police's Special Branch was working closely with the Philippine National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica) to investigate and identify the mastermind behind the recent terrorist intrusion in Sabah.

"Our police Special Branch has good relations with the agency. We have obtained intelligence on the involvement of a third party and information on the (Jamalul) Kiram group.

"The intelligence could also involve the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Nur Misuari group, politicians or terrorists," he told reporters after opening the Pusat Giat Semberong at the Taman Sri Lambak hall here.

According to him, the good relations between Kuala Lumpur and Manila were reflected in the Philippine coastguards detaining 38 people who were intercepted encroaching in the waters off Tawi-Tawi.

He said the ministry had long established a network cooperation with the regional intelligence agency to ensure stability in the region.

The bilateral intelligence collaboration was not only between Malaysia and the Philippines but also with Aseanapol and the member countries involved in it, such as Indonesia, added the minister.

On the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), Hishammuddin said, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would outline details of its setting up on Monday, in conjunction with Police Day.

Hishammuddin also reminded the people to guard against exploitation of the terrorist intrusion by certain quarters for their political interest.

He cited the preposterous claim allegedly made by former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Harris Salleh that the police were burning the identity cards of the Suluk community.

He denied the police had resorted to such a move and challenged Harris to prove his claim.

Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said the ministry would build seven new police stations in Pulau Bum Bum, Pulau Banggi and Pulau Gaya, and five integrated customs, immigration and quarantine complexes under the Eastern Sabah Security Command.

The ministry would also enhance its agencies, including the Marine Police, VAT69 Commando, General Task Force and Special Action Unit, he said.