Najib Razak declared that Ops Daulat, created since March 5 to tackle intruders from southern Philippines, will end in a few days' time.

He said that the Ops Daulat, in terms of its police and military operations to eliminate the intruders, would be continued under the Sabah East Coast Special Security Area (ESSCOM).

"We are able to assemble here at this historic and meaningful ceremony at Felda Sahabat, an area which has become the focus of the whole nation in the past few weeks. Initially, the intention of my trip here was to declare that the Ops Daulat has concluded.

NONE "On the other hand, if I make the declaration, it may not give an accurate picture. The actual fact is that Ops Daulat will end but all police and military actions that are necessary are taken, until all the terrorists or their collaborators are eliminated totally.

"Subsequent actions will be taken after this under the command of ESSCOM which takes over all integrated operations in the East Sabah Security Zone (EZZONE)," he said.

Najib disclosed this in his speech when officiating the Ops Daulat Appreciation ceremony at the Dewan Desa Kencana, Felda Sahabat 16 in Lahad Datu today.

The event was also attended by Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Rural and Regional Development Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal, Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman, Malaysian Armed Forces Chief Gen Zulkifeli Mohd Zain and Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar.

Meanwhile, Najib again stressed that the country would use all its strength to defend the independence, sovereignty and integrity of the Malaysian territories based on the country's constitution and laws.

He said the fact was that the state of Sabah, since Sept 16, 1963 and with the decision and support of the majority of the people in the state, had stated that they wished Sabah would be independent in Malaysia.

"Thus, I wish to emphasise again that this fact will remain forever. No one, whether from outside or within the country will be allowed to jeopardise this fact," he said.

He said that since the armed intrusion incident on Feb 12, Malaysia had acted prudently but firmly which eventually succeeded in defeating the threat posed by the armed intruders.

Najib said although the terrorists had been defeated, 10 members of the Malaysian security forces comprising eight policemen and two soldiers were killed in the operation.

The caretaker PM said that he, members of the security forces and the whole Malaysian population pledged to ensure that the sacrifices of the security forces would be worthwhile.

GE13 will be smooth, assures Najib

Najib also assured all Malaysians, including those living in the east coast of Sabah, that the 13th general election will run smoothly.

As such, Najib advised Malaysians to go out and cast their votes to exercise their democratic right without any fear or doubt.

"It is most important because on May 5, we will decide the destiny of the people of Malaysia. In order to ensure the process of democracy runs smoothly, I on behalf of the security forces give an assurance that those wishing to go out to cast their ballot papers can do so without any fear or doubt.

"The inspector-general of police assisted by the ATM (Malaysian Armed Forces) will ensure that this process (general election) will run (smoothly) and their rights according to the national constitution will be exercised as desired.

"Do not stay home, out of fear, and waste your voting right because that is the evil intention of the terrorists that is to intimidate us. If we are courageous, their intention will not be achieved," he said.

He said Malaysians must make the best and most accurate decision and to support the party that could ensure national security, peace and sovereignty.

He called on the people to think of the action by those who belittled the members of the security forces by alleging that members of the security forces were involved in a drama by the ruling party and disputing their martyrdom although the National Fatwa Council had decided that the soldiers died as martyrs.

"The question is whether they can be depended upon to safeguard the peace and sovereignty of our beloved Malaysia, what more when their actions raised a lot of doubts among the people," he said.

- Bernama