Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein's new special function in overseeing Sabah security and the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) is meant to quell dissent in the state, said an analyst.

Associate professor Ahmad Martadha Mohamed, the dean of Universiti Utara Malaysia's (UUM) College of Law, Government and International Studies, said this is because Sabahans place great importance on security issues.

"Esscom is a sensitive issue in Sabah, and the support of Sabahans is needed in the next general election.

"Among the dissatisfaction on the ground is about coordination," Martadha told Malaysiakini.

Hishammuddin was tasked with overseeing Sabah security as part of his new portfolio as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of special functions.

Esscom is meant to oversee and coordinate multiple security agencies, including the armed forces, police, and maritime enforcement agency, in an effort to secure Sabah's eastern border.

However, since it was established in 2013, there have still been intrusions and kidnappings from the southern Philippines, leading to criticism of Esscom's effectiveness.

Martadha said Hishammuddin's new role was hence justified, as there was a need for tighter coordination.

"For me, this is to ensure that security activities are coordinated at a higher level," he said.

New tasks purely political

Defence analyst Lam Choong Wah however said Hishammuddin's new tasks are purely political.

"This is a redundant appointment, Hishammuddin already has a role to play in Esscom as defence minister.

"Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak just wants Hishammuddin to play a greater role in politics. It definitely has nothing to do with security needs," Lam said.

While Ahmad Martadha did not share this view that the appointment was purely political, he concurred that it was a boon for Hishammuddin.

"This could be an effort by the prime minister to give Hishammuddin room and opportunity to prove his leadership," the UUM professor said.

Hishammuddin's appointment as special functions minister last Wednesday had sparked speculation that Najib was either planning an exit, or to replace deputy premier Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Zahid and Umno however have rubbished this, saying the appointment was meant to strengthen the government ahead of the next elections.