Lahad Datu Intrusion Boosts Spirit Of Patriotism Among People In M'sia's Sabah State

By Arthur Edward KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- The 56th Merdeka (Independence) Day will definitely be celebrated in high spirit by the people in Sabah, especially after the shocking lessons they had to learn in the intrusion tragedy in Lahad Datu last February. The tragedy had indeed taught them about the importance of unity, patriotism and protecting the country from foreign threats. Sunardy Sofian, 33, from Tawau, said this year's Merdeka Day celebration would differ from any other years. "The tragedy in Lahad Datu has opened my eyes and mind about the importance of independence and that we must always stay united to protect and defend our peaceful country and what we have today," he told Bernama. He said the tragedy should be a lesson for all to understand that without unity and sacrifices, Malaysia would not be such a peaceful country as it was today. Dency Guput, 45, from Semporna, said he believed that the spirit of patriotism among the people for this year's Merdeka Day celebration would be as high as the first Merdeka Day celebrated 56 years ago. "Maybe the atmosphere back then was different, but I think the intrusion tragedy in Lahad Datu has enhanced the patriotic spirit of the people here, especially those living near the areas involved in the tragedy. "I'm very proud of the determination and courage showed by our national security forces personnel who had fought the enemy till the last drop of their blood for the sake of all Malaysians. "Therefore, we must appreciate their sacrifices by showing the same level of patriotism in appreciating the peace and harmony we enjoy today," he said. For Mohd Jefry Lukas, 25, from Sandakan, the Merdeka Day celebration might not differ from any other year, but the meaning behind the celebration would be another story altogether. "The tragedy has taught me that peace is important for a country and that it must always be preserved. "The patriotism spirit is not only about flying the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag), but must be shown by being loyal to the country and participating in the various programmes to promote unity and love for the country," he said. The intrusion of Sulu militants, which began on Feb 12 in Kampung Tanduo, 130km from Lahad Datu, claimed the lives of 10 security forces personnel. The Armed Forces and the Royal Malaysia Police launched the operation to flush out the militants, dubbed 'Operasi Daulat' on March 5 after a month of negotiations to get them out of the village, came to a dead end. During the operation, 68 of the militants were shot dead, 173 were arrested under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, while 443 others were picked up for various offences. The operation ended with the setting up of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) covering 1,400 km coastlines and Eastern Sabah Security Zone to protect and ensure safety and peace of the people in Sabah. -- BERNAMA