Use ISA On Flag-burning Culprits - PBS

KOTA KINABALU, April 7 (Bernama) -- Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) has called for stern action including under the Internal Security Act (ISA) on the people involed in burning the Sabah flag in Lahad Datu on Saturday.

PBS information chief Johnny Mositun said the party which was constantly vocal over the illegal immigrant problem, viewed the incident seriously because it could threaten Sabah's sovereignty within the Federation of Malaysia.

"We in PBS including the youth wing are extremely disappointed over incident. We are supposed to respect the Sabah flag as the symbol of the state's sovereignty.

"Therefore, we appeal to the authorities to take ISA action on the individuals or groups who tried to create provocation or chaos in the state... The people of Sabah love peace and hope such transgression will not recur," he told Bernama here today.

Mositun who is Sabah Deputy Speaker said PBS also appealed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to take proactive action bilaterally to ensure Sabah's sovereignty.

In the 8.40am incident, 12 people including one claiming to be a descendent of Sultan of Sulu, were arrested for burning six Sabah flags in front of the Lahad Datu market and a supermarket.

Meanwhile, United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) deputy president Datuk Wilfred Bumburing voiced concern over the resurgence of the United Tausug Citizen which has connections with Filipinos who have been granted permanent resident status and Malaysian citizenships.

"I am confident that Datuk Seri Najib's leadership will give priority to Sabah particularly in solving the false claim (of the Philippines over Sabah) which has protracted and the problem of influx of illegal immigrants in Sabah," said Bumburing who is Tuaran Member of Parliament.