A Sabahan member of parliament (MP) Datuk Seri Abdul Ghapur Salleh (BN-Kalabakan) has called on their government to sever ties with the Philippines for not dropping its claim on Sabah.
Abdul Ghapur said Sabahans were living in fear as the Philippines had not dropped its claim on Sabah.
“No point to call their ambassador. If possible, we should sever diplomatic ties as they have no basis to claim Sabah,” he said when debating the motion of thanks on the Royal Address.
Abdul Ghapur also said that the recent statements by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had created more fear and anger among Sabahans.
“It may not have an effect in the peninsula, but I have received hundreds of WhatsApp messages from Sabahans asking me to send their regards and request to Parliament to ensure the safety of the entire country,” he added.
He referred to Dr. Ahmad Zahid’s recent statement in Kota Kinabalu that there were militant commanders in all 60 state constituencies.
Abdul Ghapur claimed there was fear as Dr. Ahmad Zahid had said that the militant commanders’ influence had spread into the interior beyond the Eastern Sabah Security Zone.
Abdul Ghapur said the presence of militant commanders in the state raised safety concerns for the state’s tourism industry.