KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 – Malaysian security forces launched a massive operation this morning, to flush out the armed intruders in Lahad Datu, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. He said the operation which began about 10am, with an air attack by Royal Malaysia Air Force (RMAF) aircrafts, was followed by a series of mortar blasts.
“As I speak, our armed forces and police in armoured vehicles, and personnel following these vehicles are weeding out the intruders who are violating our country’s sovereignty,” he said.
Speaking at the Perhimpunan Perdana Ulama-Umara+Asnaf event at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil here, Najib said the government had excersised prudence in the early stage, mainly to prevent bloodshed in Sabah, not only among Malaysians but also among the Sulu gunmen. However, the prime minister said he was disappointed that the good intentions were reciprocated with shooting and killing of policemen.
Therefore, Najib said, as head of the government, he decided the period of consideration had ended and the country needed to act with all its might. “Because this a question of our peace and sovereignty, we will not allow an inch of our land to be threatened by anyone.
“I am thankful that at our assembly today, our people are generally, supportive of the government’s stand and action taken.
“Let us all recite the Al-Fatihah for our heroes who were killed while defending our beloved country, and pray that they are now in a better place,” he added.
BERNAMA
