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Call On The Malaysian Government To Secure The Immediate Release Of 20 Hostages Kidnapped From Sipadan, Off The Sabah Coast Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the abduction of 20 hostages at Sipidan Island by six unknown gunmen yesterday. 25 April 2000. | |||||||
| At 7.30 pm yesterday, six marauding gunmen burst into Sipidan which is 32 Km from Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia. Twelve foreign tourists and eight Malaysians have been abducted; one American couple escaped. Sipidan is a famous international diving haven. Now, it has become anything but a haven. Malaysian Governmment should show that it will leave no stone unturned and no avenue unexplored in securing the immediate release of all the hostages. Apparently, the Malaysian police is in close contact with its Filipino counterpart. Foreign Ministry and Defence Ministry have taken action such as sending a patrol boat and | |
air surveillance to the flash point. The 12 hectare idyllic island can be disturbed by marauders such as pirates who can flee to island hideouts in the strait between Sabah and Southern Philippines. We have been concerned about the piracy and other illicit activities in Malaysian waters. We have spoken on the need to upgrade our defence and surveillance in these waters; some marauders have advanced equipment. However, the immediate concern is to take these hostages out without delay. Not only should the Government mount greater rescue efforts, it should also increase coordination with the Philippines.
Dr Tan Seng Giaw | |||||
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