YOURSAY | ‘The gov’t owes it to its citizens to observe a minute’s silence.’

Parliament rejects one-minute silence over Then's death

Versey: There's a sense of loss for words for the sad news and my heartfelt sympathies go to kidnapping victim Bernard Then's family, parents and siblings for the torment they had endured since the kidnap of their beloved.

It's really hard to contain oneself and there's no word for my vexation at the close to nonchalant manner of the authorities that for months had not displayed any follow-up action in its rescue operation, and more so with the twisted logic of the minister (Shahidan Kassim) who used the Paris attacks in its defence of Esscom (Eastern Sabah Security Command) and the handling of the illegal immigrants in Sabah to exonerate the government's culpability.

Anonymous_40bb: The Malaysian government owes it to its citizens to observe a minute’s silence because this is an issue involving international terrorism.

Tao Student: Then's case is the cruellest ever in Malaysia. The victim was brutally beheaded in a most inhumane way by the terrorists whom the Najib Abdul Razak government claims it is fighting against.

I'm in great shock over the unbelievably mercilessness of the Parliament speakers. They do not share the same grief as most Malaysians do.

What an excuse. Tradition, my foot! Is it a tradition to transfer RM2.6 billion into one’s private bank account?

Azzat Kamaludin: Why not start a new tradition?

The Parliament should stand in one-minute silence for any Malaysian citizen murdered by terrorists to record its abhorrence of terrorism, its sympathy with the family of the victim and its solidarity with its citizens.

Apapunboleh: Security is the responsibility of the federal government. Therefore, it should be accountable and responsible for the safety of its citizens.

The government should provide the ransom money as demanded because it has failed to protect its territory and citizens as promised.

PM shocked by hostage's 'savage murder'

Oh Ya?: The ruling elite should be condemned, too. Firstly, for failing to secure Sabah's borders.

Secondly, for giving citizenships to the Filipinos for votes, which posts constant security threats to the Sabahans as thousands of Abu Sayyaf and other rebels might have obtained the MyKad.

Thirdly, for failing to do anything to this perennial problem. And lastly, for its lack of empathy and compassion.

How could the deputy speaker rejected a minute's silence on the grounds that it is reserved for heads of state and dignitaries? This is really sickening.

FellowMalaysian: All these militants and are vicious murderers and will carry out mindless killings in the name of Allah if their demands are not met.

As the PM of the country, it is feckless of Najib to “urge the authorities to take action upon the perpetrators” when he has all the power and authority in his hands to instruct an immediate reprisal.

The most appropriate action would be nothing short of a sortie attack against the Abu Sayyaf hideouts by our combat jet planes.

Najib could well learn a lesson or two from French President Francois Hollande.

Anonymous_40bb: I once spoke to an ex-Navy personnel who was part of Esscom operation forces. He was telling me that even guards need to rest.

Their operations during daytime are more active compared to the nights. In the nights, people and tourists alike are told to avoid areas prone to kidnappers. Sometimes, tourists are a bit adventurous so they end up being abducted.

We have to understand that it is not easy to send troops to be standing guard on coastlines around Sabah 24 hours. It is not possible.

In this case, the kidnappers are now targeting restaurants and other night spots. Maybe it’s time for people to shut down night businesses in those areas and move to a more centralised F&B area where Esscom can post patrol boats and guards in those areas 24/7.

Doc: My suggestion to the good people of Sabah. Please continue to Undilah BN, so Najib can continue with his plan for the nation (only god know what his plan is) and more Sabahans can be kidnapped for ransom and more heads can roll courtesy of the Abu Sayyaf.

Kazakh: I wait to see if Najib’s words carry any weight, taking into consideration his past statements on some similar matters. It is very likely nothing notable is going to happen. Expect business as usual.

Rupert16: If only Najib was generous enough to use a wee bit of his RM2.6 billion ‘donation’ to pay the ransom, Then would be alive and safely home with his family today.

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