The latest in a series of kidnappings in Sabah's east coast spotlights the police's failure to ensure the safety and security of the country, said DAP.

On Monday, Sabah's third kidnapping in six months took place in Kunak just as the previous one in Singamata involving a Chinese tourist was resolved.

"The spate of kidnappings of tourists and Malaysians in Sabah has highlighted the failure of the police to deliver on their statutory duty to combat crime and ensure the safety and security of Malaysia," said DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng in a statement today.

He noted that the country was becoming notorious worldwide for its poor security.

"Travel advisories issued by countries such as the United States, Britain and Germany against Malaysia.

"This appears to confirm the Unisys Security Index 2014 Report that listed Malaysia as No 2 spot amongst 12 countries which are most worried about their security.

"Only the drug-ridden country of Mexico is considered more dangerous than Malaysia," said Lim ( left ), who is also Penang chief minister.

The 2014 Unisys index published on their website saw the index on concerns over Malaysia's security jumping from 160 points in 2008 to 198 this year, just five short of Mexico.

The site lists any index about 150 as "seriously concerned".

'Tackle crime, not opposition'

Lim said the country would not be in such a position if the police would place more resources into fighting crime rather than on monitoring opposition politicians.

"The most effective measure is to increase to at least 50 percent of the 114,000 member police force to directly fighting crime from the present number of less than 20 percent.

"The police should stop being politicised and being used as a weapon against the political opponents of BN.

"Pakatan leaders are not criminals, but (are only) exercising our democratic right to bring about peaceful change of government through general elections," he said.

He added that the police should not be complacent about the drop in crime statistics and instead take heed of the Unisys index.

"The police should not be in denial that the crime situation is improving when there are so many people who become victims of crime," said Lim.