The recent statement made by Parti Warisan Sabah regarding the state’s security situation is a classic example of political posturing at the expense of practical solutions. Their claims and suggestions, while sophisticated on the surface, are short on substance and feasibility.
Firstly, Warisan’s proposed relocation of security bases from the West to the East Coast exemplifies an oversimplification of a complex security concern. This is analogous to seeing an uptick in crime within a particular neighbourhood and then proposing that the entire police department be relocated there.
Such a reactive, shortsighted approach could lead to significant disruption in operational efficiency, incur substantial costs, and potentially expose other parts of the state to vulnerability. True security is not about concentration in a single area but about having the ability to rapidly respond and adapt to threats wherever they might occur.
Secondly, the focus on specific military technology like ‘Predator MQ-9’ drones seems more like an attempt to sound technologically savvy rather than a well-considered strategy. To me, it suggests a limited understanding of security strategy. It’s like a city deciding to invest all its emergency response budget in fire trucks while ignoring the need for ambulances, police cars, or disaster response vehicles.
Remember, security threats are diverse, requiring our security forces to possess a variety of tools and technologies. Investing heavily in a specific piece of technology, without a comprehensive assessment of needs and without a broad technology strategy, is ill-advised. It’s crucial to conduct a comprehensive security assessment and adopt a wide range of technology as per the requirements, rather than relying on a specific tool.
Thirdly, Warisan’s insistence on changing international perception about Sabah seems to take precedence over improving the actual safety and security situation. While improving international perception about Sabah is indeed important, Warisan seems to put the cart before the horse. It’s like trying to sell a house by focusing solely on painting the exterior while ignoring serious structural issues.
We must first address the security challenges on the ground before we can genuinely transform international opinion. Only then can we expect tourism, investment, and other economic activities to thrive.
It’s apparent that Warisan is trying to project itself as the authority on international and security issues. However, security matters, as Warisan well knows, are under federal jurisdiction. As a state-level entity, Warisan should focus on what it can change locally, instead of attempting to dictate matters of national security. It’s important to remember that security matters are always a federal responsibility.
Moreover, it’s troubling to see how Warisan is using the MA63 as a smokescreen for their agenda. MA63 is a historical document outlining the terms of the formation of Malaysia, not a license for each state to bypass the federal government on national matters. Don’t be a city mayor who cite the city’s charter to justify overriding national laws. Similarly, Warisan’s alleged political subordination should not be used as an excuse to encroach on federal responsibilities or to gain political mileage.
Also, the statement’s author seems to be using big words and references to legal documents to give an impression of understanding. Yet upon closer inspection, it lacks depth and clarity, and it is filled with political rhetoric rather than constructive solutions.
The focus should be on collaboration and cooperation between the state and federal government to ensure the safety and security of Sabah’s people, not on scoring political points. It’s important to remember that one can’t fool all people all the time. Let’s not lose sight of the real issues at hand in the fog of political rhetoric.
But what is truly apparent is really not the statements themselves or the propositions but the fact that Warisan’s current actions are aimed towards gaining praise and recognition than dealing with the realities of the situation. Like a student focusing more on impressing the teacher with big words rather than understanding and explaining the subject matter.
The people of Sabah cannot be fooled by grand words and empty promises. Genuine commitment to the safety and prosperity of Sabah involves hard work, collaboration, and practical action, not just lofty rhetoric.
Jalumin Bayogoh is the Information Chief of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku.
