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Parti Warisan urges federal government to take Balabac security developments seriously
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡พ Malaysia /Conflict & Security

Parti Warisan urges federal government to take Balabac security developments seriously

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Parti Warisan (WARISAN) has called on Malaysia's federal government to address security concerns stemming from developments in Balabac, Philippines, which is close to Sabah.
  • WARISAN President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal stated that increased military activity near Malaysian waters necessitates strengthening Sabah's defenses, maritime surveillance, and border security.
  • He emphasized that Sabah's security is integral to Malaysia's national security and urged for cross-party political support to ensure adequate resources for military and security agencies.

Parti Warisan (WARISAN) has urged the Federal Government to seriously consider the security developments occurring in Balabac, Philippines, a location proximate to Sabah. The party advocates for a robust enhancement of the state's defense capabilities, maritime surveillance, and overall border security.

The developments in Balabac must be taken seriously as they are happening so close to Sabah. However, there is no reason for the people of Sabah to panic.

โ€” Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie ApdalCommenting on the security situation near Sabah.

According to WARISAN President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, the situation in Balabac serves as a critical reminder that the security landscape surrounding Sabah is in flux. This change is attributed to a noted increase in military activities in waters near Malaysia.

"The developments in Balabac must be taken seriously as they are happening so close to Sabah. However, there is no reason for the people of Sabah to panic," Shafie stated. He added, "What is happening in Balabac is a reminder that the security situation around Sabah is changing. With the increase in military activity near our waters, we must ensure our defense, maritime surveillance, and border security are sufficiently strong."

What is happening in Balabac is a reminder that the security situation around Sabah is changing. With the increase in military activity near our waters, we must ensure our defense, maritime surveillance, and border security are sufficiently strong.

โ€” Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie ApdalHighlighting the need for enhanced security measures.

Shafie stressed that efforts to bolster Sabah's security and defense should transcend political divides. He called on the Federal Government to ensure that the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), and other security agencies are equipped with adequate resources, technology, and equipment, particularly in the northern and eastern regions of Sabah, which face unique strategic and security challenges.

Sabah's security is Malaysia's security, and our sovereignty cannot be compromised.

โ€” Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie ApdalEmphasizing the interconnectedness of state and national security.

Simultaneously, Shafie underscored the importance of Malaysia maintaining an independent and non-aligned foreign policy, fostering good relations with both the United States and China without becoming entangled in their rivalry. He asserted that any decisions regarding regional security must prioritize Malaysia's interests, national sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens. "At the same time, Malaysia must continue to engage with the Philippines, the United States, China, and our ASEAN neighbors through diplomatic channels. We want this region to remain peaceful and stable," he concluded.

We want this region to remain peaceful and stable.

โ€” Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie ApdalStating Malaysia's foreign policy objective for the region.
About this summary

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.