POLITICIANS should not interfere in military matters, like the deployment of soldiers to the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone), and leave it to experts, said Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein.

He said this in response to Parti Warisan Sabah leader Shafie Apdal suggestion that the government deploy soldiers instead of members from Peoples’ Volunteer Corps (Rela) to face armed gunmen from across the border.  

Shafie had also said troops from the Lok Kawi camp on Sabah’s west coast should be redeployed to Esszone.

Hishammuddin said Shafie should be “practical” on the matter, stating that the opposition leader’s remarks on Rela were “purely political”.

“I think, we have to be practical. We (politicians) leave the (operational) decisions to the military. Who are we (politicians) to be telling them (the military)? We are not trained,” Hishammuddin said after an inspection visit to the Lok Kawi camp today.

He said Shafie, who is Semporna MP, made no effort to voice his objections over the deployment of Rela members when he was in the cabinet.  

Hishammuddin said military special forces were already deployed to Esszone, and Rela members there played only a supporting role.

“I have met them (Rela members). They are proud to be the eyes and ears (of the military).” – February 9, 2018.