BAGAN DATOH: Foreign media representatives, especially those from the
Philippines, are allowed access to the media centre at Felda Sahabat in
Lahad Datu, Sabah to obtain updates on the latest development there.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
said, in addition, the armed forces or police could accompany them to
the operations area to get the 'real picture', in the light of
accusations of cruelty and human rights denial against the terrorists.
"I will discuss with the foreign minister, Wisma Putra and police to
permit the Embassy of the Philippines in Kuala Lumpur and consulate to
visit those who are detained, upon completion of interrogation," he
said.
He was speaking to reporters after handing over 120
computers for Tamil, Chinese and selected schools in Perak here on
Saturday.
On Saturday, news portal the Philippines Daily
Inquirer reported that Malaysia stopped a Philippine humanitarian team
and the Philippine media from gaining access to Filipinos detained in an
evacuation centre in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
On the latest
development in Lahad Datu, Ahmad Zahid said, the terrorists were in a
desperate situation and had run out of food after being surrounded in a
small area.
"Their leader has abandoned them, their morale is
extremely low now and the communities in Sabah are not supporting their
action.
“This means they are not getting information and the moral support of the Sulu people in Sabah," he added.
The minister said, the development had made the terrorists so desperate
that they even resorted to stealing food from a 'kongsi' house and food
outlets.
"We hope the local communities exercise more care
because they (the terrorists) are hungry and their actions could be more
aggressive.
"This is also because the Philippine Government has
given us very good cooperation. The Philippines will also provide us
with information on the 35 people who were detained by its coast guards
and navy recently," he said.
He said, Malaysia would share
information and other details with the Philippine Government on the
detainees and stooges of the terrorists, who were detained after 28 days
to facilitate investigation. - Bernama
Monday, 18 March 2013
Lahad Datu: Foreign media can get info at Felda Sahabat media centre, says Zahid
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