I received a SMS from Sabah which said, “tikus mati diseberang laut mereka nampak, tapi gajah didepan mata tak nampak” and “anak kera dihutan disusukan tapi anak dirumah dibiarkan” in short, it highlighted the plight and concern of Sabahans.

 

Brothers/sisters, do not worry. All of us will act and support you during this time of uncertainty.

 

Ever since the MH370 mystery, Malaysia has been in a bad spell. The government of Malaysia not only has pledged but assured the rakyat of continuous efforts to solve this mystery.

 

The repeated series of kidnapping cases in Sabah since the intrusion of Lahad Datu has resulted in the deaths of nine, including the most recent case of two army personnel.

I had on June 19, 2014, issued a press statement highlighting the kidnapping cases in Sabah – the situation is very serious and alarming.

 

The government has taken immediate action to revamp and restructure the Esscom strength and machinery. In view of the repeated intrusions into our territory, it is now clear this is a series of deliberate acts challenging our sovereignty.

 

Our capabilities of addressing them and the protection or our citizens in the affected territory/our country are being tested.

 

This is the time that all Malaysians must do away with all differences in political beliefs, political struggles and also individual practices.

 

We must pull and unite ourselves together in becoming a united force not only to face the intruders but to engage head on with them. This can only be made possible with absolute support from Malaysians.

 

The guerilla warfare attacks on Sabah, is just the tip of the iceberg.

Moving forward and immediately, all Malaysian must be vigilant and more so our brothers and sisters on the east coast of Sabah.

 

It is of paramount importance for us to interact within Malaysia and also in our neighbouring countries. Interact with them seriously to gain intelligence is a must in order to gain the upper hand on the intruders.

 

Remember, information is power. We must throw in our utmost support to Home Affairs Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the police, as well as the armed forces at all costs.

 

We must wake up and make no more mistakes otherwise our country will face serious threats within and beyond.

 

I call upon all our fellow Malaysians and the corporate sector to show their solidarity and support for the government in all their efforts to combating the common enemy to protect us.

 

To all our Sabah brothers and sisters, do not be afraid or downhearted, as fellow Malaysians, we are always with you.

 

“Humbleness is a good virtue, arrogance shall fall, the meek will rule the world.”

 

ROBERT PHANG is a justice of peace and chairperson of the Social Care Foundation.