Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed (left) says today in Semporna the government is working with various parties to secure the release of two Malaysians kidnapped in Sandakan by Abu Sayyaf militants in May.
Two men abducted in Sandakan – Thien Nyuk Fun and Bernard Then Ted Fen – are still alive, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said today, following reports over their health and safety.
He said information from the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) indicated that the duo, kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf militants at gunpoint on May 14 from a seafood restaurant owned by Thien in Sandakan, were safe.
He said the government was working hard to secure their release.
“We are trying to use all available channels, including cooperating with the Philippines authorities, to secure their release and I hope their families will put their trust in all the efforts being done,” he told reporters after a visit to six islands which fall under the Esscom command.
However, Nur Jazlan refused to reveal the latest development on the case, citing worries that it would jeopardise investigations and negotiation.
The families of the two victims have expressed concerns over their deteriorating health and other factors which have made the situation precarious.
Then is pre-diabetic while Thien suffered from high blood pressure. Their families have previously said that they needed their medication urgently.
Two months ago, the frustrated families met with Home Ministry officials to plead for help in securing the duo’s release.
Then’s wife, Chan Wai See, told both deputy home ministers that one of the two Malaysians was next in line to be beheaded after weeks of unrest in Jolo. This had been relayed to her in a phone conversation with her husband.
Today, Nur Jazlan urged those living in the Esscom zone to act as “eyes and ears” to protect the areas from being encroached.
He said for now, the Esscom authorities believed kidnapping occurred with the help of locals.
“I am not accusing any parties, but if the community is more sensitive towards activities that could threaten security, especially those involving kidnapping, these must be reported immediately.”
He added those living within the Esscom zone had to give their full loyalty to Sabah and Malaysia, despite close ties with southern Philippines.
http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/sandakan-kidnap-victims-alive-says-nur-jazlan
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