ISKANDAR PUTERI, Dec 7 — A Johor state assemblyman suggested the state government redelineate the maritime boundaries between Singapore and Johor to uphold national and the state’s security and sovereignty.
Kota Iskandar state assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad said the issue is critical and should be given immediate attention by both the state and federal governments.
He said the issue also involves the dignity of an independent country like Malaysia.
“The security and sovereignty aspect of this country should not be compromised because if it is not properly monitored and guarded, we will lose our rights,” he said at the state legislative assembly session in Bangunan Sultan Ismail here today.
Pandak explained that the call was also made following the alleged action by the Singapore authorities where they had chased away local fishermen while verbally abusing and insulting them last October.
“The incident is wrong and should not have happened. The image of our people has been insulted, as our fishermen are not intruders but only make a living by fishing there.
“They were driven away and insulted with abusive words. The actions of the country‘s authorities, namely the Singapore Police Coast Guard, were inappropriate,” he said.
Pandak said the state government should take immediate action by sending a protest letter to the country.
“This issue should not be ‘silenced’ just because it is without any objection. It is as if our people are admitting their fault,” he said.
On October 24, several local fishermen were involved in a verbal argument with the Singapore authorities where they claimed to have been hurled abusive words and insults.
Two videos, lasting two minutes and 43 seconds, recorded local fishermen being chased away by the Singapore authorities.
The incident later went viral on social media which created a public uproar and many called on the state government to take action.
