Malay News: Family values the concern

Kota Kinabalu: Words of moral support, comfort and prayers were extended to family members of slain Sgt Baharin Hamit at their home in Kg Darau in Menggatal, Friday, by the State Police contingent. Baharin, was among five security forces personnel killed in an ambush by a group of armed intruders in Kg Sri Jaya Siminul in Semporna on March 1. His widow, Sumiati Suarah, 50, managed to maintain her composure as the police delegation led by Deputy State Police Commissioner SAC II Datuk Tan Kok Liang handed her a letter of condolence from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Her two children, Muhd Izzat Syafiq Baharin, aged 16, and Nur Izzaty Syafiqah Baharin, aged 11, sat beside their mother who broke down in tears as she read the letter. "I am grateful for the words of comfort, support and prayers from our Prime Minister as well as all Malaysians and I pray for our security personnel to remain strong in protecting the sovereignty of the country," she said as she regained composure. "I don't want any more bloodshed and I don't want to see any of our security forces getting killed in the crisis brought by the intruders," she said, while urging for the Government to do all they can to end the crisis. She also expressed gratitude to the government for the posthumous promotion. Nur Izzaty Syafiqah, who was close to her father, also broke into tears as her brother read the letter. The family had planned to celebrate Nur Izzaty's birthday on March 25 but this was dashed after news of Baharin's death came. Meanwhile her brother, Muhd Izzat Syafiq, said the last message his father gave him before he left for duty was to take care of his mother and sister as well as to pray for his safe return. He was quiet when asked if he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps to become a policeman. A posthumous promotion of the rank Sgt Major was awarded to Baharin who was attached to the Sabah Contingent Special Branch.