KOTA KINABALU: Sabah wants the construction of two additional General Operations Force (GOF) battalion complexes to be expedited to bolster security in the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the two new battalions identified were for Battalion 21 in Keningau and Battalion 22 in Kunak on the east coast.
Sabah currently has five GOF battalions stationed in Kinarut, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Sandakan, and Beluran.
"Sabah is a vast state surrounded by three seas - the South China Sea in the west, the Sulu Sea in the northeast, and the Celebes Sea in the east, while in the south, Sabah shares a border with Indonesia.
"Therefore, the additional two GOF complexes are necessary not only to stop subversive movements but also to block smuggling activities of fuel, logs, drugs, among others," he said at the launch of the Op Daulat Tanduo book titled "General Operations Force, Sabah Brigade: Eliminating Terrorists and The Fifth Column in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu" at Menara Kinabalu on Tuesday (July 30).
Commenting on the book, Hajiji commended the Sabah PGA and Archive Department for collaborating on the publication, now an official historical document on the 2013 Tanduo armed intrusion by Sulu gunmen.
"Security operations like the terrorist intrusion in Kampung Tanduo are examples of our security forces' bravery and commitment," he said.
The incident in February 2013 stemmed from the action of a terrorist group claiming Sabah for the defunct Sulu Sultanate, which Hajiji said has never been recognised by the Malaysian Government.
"The Sulu Sultanate has ceased to exist for several decades and is not recognised by any sovereign country or international organisation. It was a baseless attempt by the group to claim sovereignty over a region of Malaysia," he added.
The Chief Minister reiterated the Sabah Government's stand not to recognise any demands from those claiming to be the sultanate heirs.
"This stand is clear and in line with the voice of Sabahans who have chosen to form the Federation of Malaysia through the Malaysia Agreement in 1963. Hence, any outside claim will never be entertained by the State Government and the people," he said.
Hajiji said the sacrifice of the security forces, particularly during the Tanduo incident, was significant as they fought for the country's sovereignty and people's security with their lives.
"The role of the GOF in the incident is very much appreciated by all Malaysians because, without their bravery and sacrifices, the country's sovereignty was at stake.
"Therefore, I hope this book will benefit the public who want to know more about the terrorist incursion in Tanduo and the sacrifices of our security forces.
"As citizens of Malaysia, we must take stock of the incident and further strengthen our patriotic spirit in ensuring the country's sovereignty continues to be protected and preserved," he said.
Hajiji also hoped the publication would allow the younger generation to understand what transpired during the incursion, especially the sacrifices of the nation's security forces.
Hajiji noted that since the Tanduo incursion 11 years ago, the situation has now returned to normal in Sabah's east coast with the formation of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) to strengthen security in Sabah waters.
