Uproar Over Poor Public Security Cause Of Tension

The crowd in Lawas protesting against lack of law enforcement and poor public security

LAWAS: The tension that gripped communities here over the last few days was never about racial or religious issues but was fuelled by public dissatisfaction on the perceived lack of law enforcement and poor security.

This was the conclusion of yesterday’s meeting between community leaders and family of Edwin Singa Pelipus of Long Lopeng whose murder sparked the public gatherings.

The meeting called on the police to act decisively against criminals and beef up security in the district.

All agreed that the security level here was unsatisfactory with drugs as the root of the problem in the district while gambling and entertainment outlets operate without restrictions.

DSP Fauzilan receiving the memorandum while assuring the crowd that police would strive to act fairly in its investigation into the murder case and work to improve security in the district

Limbang Resident Maria Hasman who chaired the meeting slammed those who turned it into a communal issue which could harm the solidarity among the multi-racial community in Lawas District.

“Everyone must play their role to ensure that peace and solidarity remain as strong as in the past, and I am happy that the situation in Lawas is still peaceful and under control, and not the opposite as spread in the Internet, and other electronic media,” he said.

Maria said reports of riots and racial clashes posted in the internet must cease immediately as they were false.

He added that a memorandum on the grievances and dissatisfaction of the people had been channelled to the relevant authorities.

“We will ensure that each grievance and disappointment of the people are forwarded to the higher authority for further action,“ he said.

Lawas district officer Mohd Supaih Hamdan who was also at the meeting expressed sadness over Edwin’s death and stressed that it was a criminal act and not racially motivated.

The meeting was told that face-off between the different communities here was a misunderstanding as the Lun Bawang crowd which converged here was to express their disappointment with the police who they alleged failed to take serious action on every report lodged.

Some blogs and netizens, however, painted a picture of chaos and racial clashes here which Maria said was untrue as different communities here still interacted normally and there was no racial animosity. - BORNEO POST