Independence celebration time for introspection

The celebration of independence is a suitable time for introspection on the important role of the people to maintain and safeguard national sovereignty.

Sabah deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin said a loose spirit of unity among the people would make it easy for invaders to take advantage of the situation for their own agenda.

"Lately, Malaysians were severely tested, specifically in Sabah which was shocked by the incident in Kampung Tanduo.

"Although, the tragedy is caused by an outside threat we should also concede that the lack of loyalty of a small number of our own citizens had contributed to the incident," he said here, on Saturday (August 9).

He said this in his speech to launch a state-level Jalur Gemilang Merdeka Tour programme organised by the Sabah Information Department at Putatan here.