Thursday 3 July 2014

Major reshuffle at #Esscom

The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) is set to be revamped in a major reshuffle to strengthen security in the state’s east coast.

The move expected over the next few days is likely to see changes in several top positions including that of director-general Datuk Mohammad Mentek in the fledgling 14-month old security body set up following the Sulu intrusion of Kg Tanduo in Lahad Datu, said sources.

“The move will see uniformed security personnel working independently in carrying out operations,” the sources said, adding that current director of operations Datuk Deputy Comm Abdul Rashid Harun will be put in charge of all operations.

They said that the operations would be carried out without the need to inform or consult the director-general under a structure to reinforce security in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).

According to the sources, they expect Mohammad to be moved out in the revamp as the position of Esscom director-general (or chief executive officer) was being downgraded from Jusa B (Jawatan Utama Sektor Awam or Public Service Premier Post) to Jusa C.

“This would mean a Jusa C officer would hold the position as Mohammad was a Jusa B officer,” the sources explained.

Similarly they said that the positions of the three directors from the police and Armed Forces which was held by “three star” generals was likely to be held by a “two-star” generals in the downgrading of ranks under the revamp.

It could not be immediately ascertained where Mohammad, a former Sabah Immigration Department director, will be moved to or how many of the Esscom directors would be changed.

Esscom has been under public scrutiny following three cross border kidnappings in Semporna, Lahad Datu and Kunak.

Last week’s special operations by Bukit Aman in Kunak where five suspected Sulu militants including a police and army corporal were arrested also raised concerns over continuing security threats in Sabah’s east coast.

Changes were also being seen in Sabah police with Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman taking over from Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib who was moved to police deputy director of commercial crimes on June 30.

Sabah CID chief Senior Asst Comm Omar Mammah has been moved to become Chief Assistant Director of the Bukit Aman Crime Prevention Department in changes announced by Bukit Aman.

TheStar

0 comments:

Post a Comment