The existence of Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) and East Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone) in Sabah's east coast is not in the interest of continuing the politics of the BN government.

NONE Rather, Armed Forces chief Gen Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said Esscom and Esszone were aimed at ensuring better security in the area to help boost the socio-economy.

"As we all know, development cannot exist well, if there is no assurance of security and vice-versa.

"Accusations that Esscom and Esszone were created for political interest are very counter-productive. Its main objectives are to ensure security and protect the interests of the people," he said.

He said this when met after guesting on a television programme in Laha Datu yesterday.

 

NONE Zulkifeli ( right in photo ) was commenting on allegations by opposition blogs that Esscom and Esszone would ensure the government continued to control parliament and state seats in the special security areas, via votes of members of the security forces.

The formation of Esscom was announced by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on March 7, when surveying the operation of security forces in eradicating terrorists from southern Philippines, at Felda Sahabat 16, near Lahad Datu.

Special cabins

Aimed at protecting the sovereignty and security in an area 1,400km along the eastern coast of Sabah, Esscom, headed by director Mohammad Mentek, is now operating from special cabins serving as temporary offices, at the Lahad Datu Marine Police Base.

NONE Esszone, announced by Najib in conjunction with the 206th Police Day on March 25, covers the districts of Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau.

Zulkifeli said the existence of Esscom in the Esszone area must be evaluated from a broader angle, namely the potential returns from the generation of the economy, as a result of the assured security, similar to the success obtained after the setting up of the Rajang Area Security Command in Sarawak in 1972.

- Bernama

Related stories

Zahid vows to 'bury' Anwar in Perak

Taib: I won't cooperate with naughty, dishonest MACC

Rafidah: Changing gov't not like changing boyfriend

Zahid, Hisham top picks for name-and-shame campaign

'Samy's hopes of contesting up to Najib and Palanivel'

Vote buying will be rampant, says Sarawak PKR

Bersih: Let both sides present manifestos 'live'

Najib: BN to announce candidates earlier than usual

Vote against 'sexist' candidates, urge NGOs

'BN manifesto a commitment for continued transformation'

'We hope Najib means what he says for once'

Soi Lek, a general shall never abandon his troops

Samy, you want a safe seat? Go buy a chair