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		We Urge The Malaysian Government To Publish The Deatails Of the Sipadan and Pandanan Kidnappings
		Malaysia must protect its territory. We should prevent all forms of armed intrusion. On 14.9.2000, the Cabinet reclassified the Pulau Pandanan kidnapping of three Malaysians by Abu Sayyaf, the Philippine rebels, as a threat to national security and soveriegnty. Again, the hostages have been taken to Jolo Island, southern Philippines. On 23.4.2000, 21 people were abducted from Sipadan island and detained in Jolo. 20 were released except one Filipino. We do not know what happened. Yesterday, the Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said that the Cabinet's shoot-on-sight order against intruders in Sabah waters was justified as quick action was needed to be taken against them. "Greater co-operation between the police and military is needed to provide stricter control over national waters," he added. While we require such cooperation, we must ensure that we have the abilty to tackle all armed marauders. We hear that the Defence Ministry asks for more money to		have better equipment and camps. Are the training, morale, tactics and strategy correct? Although the mass media carry news and analyses on Sipadan and Pandanan kidnappings, we are still in the dark. For example, how did the Abu Sayaf abducted the hostages, took them to Jolo and then released them? How much ransom? Why does one Filipino remain with the rebels? Unconfirmed reports show that there were Abu Sayyaf moles among the hostages. The ransom was US$15 million. The Libyian representatives who were in the negotiations for the release of the hostages said that the ransom was for development. Some believe that it is for recruiting more rebels. The southern Philippine and Sabah waters, coast and islands have complicated historical, political and economic background. For years, armed marauders or pirates have terrorized these areas, killings and kidnappings. We shall bring up the Sipadan and Pandanan hostage crises in Parliament in October this year. Let us have the truth. Dr Tan Seng Giaw		Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the reclassification of the of September 10, 2000. armed abduction of three Malaysians from Pulau Pandanan as a threat to national security and sovereignty. 16.9.2000



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