Sulu People In Sabah Urged To Rally Behind Government

LAHAD DATU, March 5 (Bernama) -- The people of Sulu descent in the country, particularly in Sabah should support the government's offensive against Sulu invaders in Kampung Tanduo here, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"The offensive is targeted against Sulu terrorists. I hope that our Sulu friends in Sabah and nationwide will be with the government.

"We must distinguish between the Sulu terrorists and Sulu people in Sabah whether they are Malaysian citizens or permanent residents," he told a joint news conference with Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein at Felda Residence Sahabat, about 130 km from here, Tuesday.

Calling on Sulu people not to be hoodwinked by rumours that action will be taken against them, Ahmad Zahid said the government would protect the interests of the people in the country.

He said the three branches of the armed forces would be stationed at strategic locations to prevent the possibility of another intrusion on Sabah's shores.