Time to review ESSCOM

The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) is once again under the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Slightly over a year since the Prime Minister announced its formation and barely a week before the first anniversary of the appointment of its top office bearers, ESSCOM is under fire.

ESSCOM is under fire for its perceived ineffectiveness in ensuring the safety and security of Sabah, particularly the east coast of Sabah.

Is ESSCOM, with almost an exact DNA of the Rajang Area Security Command (Rascom) which was formed more than 40 years ago in 1972,  really ineffective?

Is it truly toothless or are we witnessing the failure of those entrusted to make ESSCOM work for the people of Sabah?

This issue was even discussed in Parliament following an Emergency Motion tabled by an Opposition MP from Sabah. While the tabling of the motion is commendable, the Opposition and some Government MPs were obviously more interested in cheap politics rather than wanting a solution.

Calling for the disbandment of ESSCOM is plain stupid. What do you do after ESSCOM is disbanded? Create a new security set up and spend more money?

Linking the kidnapping to RCI on Illegal Immigrants/fake ICs is nothing but cheaper than cheap politics to stir resentment against the ruling coalition. Suggesting the shutting down of resorts on islands of the east coast of Sabah is not smart either.

The emergency motion in Parliament just flowed down into the drain because only a few was interested in finding a solution. A big majority of the MPs were merely pointing fingers.

This latest brouhaha following the kidnapping of two persons from a resort 5 minutes off the coast of Semporna, almost exactly on ESSCOM's first anniversary is indeed a blessing in disguise.

The Government, PM Najib Razak and Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman to be specific, must grab this opportunity to initiate a comprehensive review of ESSCOM to enhance its effectiveness.

It would be dumb to say ESSCOM has been useless for the last one year but it would be equally naive to think that all is perfect in the set up and/or the way it is being run.

If we want to have better results and prevent further kidnapping and organized criminal activities on the east coast and Sabah in general, we must initiate change.

An all encompassing review would most certainly tell you what and who to change. For a start, the Government may want to consider someone with the relevant experience to head ESSCOM. This complete review of ESSCOM must also include a review on all the main agencies and their role in the last year.

Non cooperative servants of the government must be shipped out.

This is an opportunity for the Government to enhance the role of ESSCOM and deliver on the promise to make Sabah a safer place for all.

We should not be doing it solely for the tourist dollar. Be sincere and do it because we want our people to be safe in their own country.

Insanity, as quoted above, is if we close our eyes and ears and continue to do the same things over and over again while expecting better results.

Please act now before people lose trust... completely.

OPS DAULAT - Tun Dr M in Ground Zero

Dr Mahathir who spent about an hour with our Police and Military men of Ops Daulat in Lahad Datu on Sunday (17/03/2013) praised our security forces for their bravery, professionalism and ability to contain and eliminate the threat posed by the Kiram group of terrorists in Sabah.

"The ability of our security forces is on par with any other nation and we don't have to rely on foreign help as was the case before we achieved Independence"

The former Prime Minister said the Sulu people, on the other side of the border (in Philippines) are our friends while those (of Sulu origin) in Sabah were our citizens while the Kiram group are nothing but criminals who cause unnecessary problem for everybody. 

"I'm sure the peace loving people of Sulu here and our friends on the other side condemn the actions of these criminals who have killed our security forces and caused a big problem for us.

Repeatedly thanking the security forces for their sacrifices in ensuring the sovereignty of Malaysia was not compromised 'even an inch', Dr Mahathir said the people of Sabah and Malaysia in general felt safe because our security forces were willing to sacrifice their lives for the well being of the nation and her people.

'The people of Sabah and Malaysians in general feel indebted to our security forces. We Malaysians appreciate the sacrifices of our security forces and this is one of our best quality as Malaysians. We unite and stand as one in such times although there were those who are trying to divide us. I'm sure the 'rakyat' will stand united.

"The people could think for themselves if all this that is happening in Lahad datu is a sandiwara or not.