PAPAR, Sept 22 — Sabah Bersatu chief Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has criticised a Warisan leader for allegedly saying the intrusion by terrorists in Lahad Datu in 2013 was a farce.

He said it was regrettable that a former federal minister had made such a remark belittling the country’s security forces.

“They were willing to protect us and our country. We could live in peace and harmony because of them. We should appreciate their deeds and sacrifices,” said the Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate for Sulaman at a “Sayangi Sabah” ceremony in Kampung Pengalat Besar today.

Also present were PN’s Kawang candidate Datuk Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar and former president of Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah (Harapan Rakyat) and Bersatu supreme council member Datuk Seri Lajim Ukim. 

Former tourism, arts and culture minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi had allegedly said two days ago that the terrorist intrusion in Lahad Datu was a sham when campaigning for Warisan in the 16th Sabah state election.

Harapan Rakyat was dissolved last year for its 64,000 members to join Bersatu.

Lajim, in his speech, said PN had proved that it cared for the people and as such the people of Sabah should elect a government aligned with the PN-led federal government.

“I joined Bersatu because I could see that the leadership of Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is very committed to helping all Malaysians, and therefore I am confident this party can be picked to lead the state,” he added.

Earlier, at a separate ceremony nearby, 1,725 Warisan members from 17 branches in the Kawang seat left the party to join Bersatu, handing over their membership forms to Ghulam Haidar Khan Bahadar in the presence of Hajiji.

— BERNAMA