Malay News: Lahad Datu: Birthday surprise becomes painful shock

KOTA KINABALU: Nur Izzaty Syafiqah Baharin was looking forward to a surprise that her father had promised for her 11th birthday later this month. It was not to be. Instead she received the heartbreaking news that her father had fallen in operations to flush out Sulu militants in Semporna. Sjn Baharin Hamit, was one of six policemen killed in an ambush by the invaders at Kampung Simunul on March 2. “I can't believe I am now fatherless,” sobbed the young girl when Sabah deputy commissioner of police SAC II Datuk Tan Kok Liang visited her home yesterday. “He promised me a surprise for my birthday on March 25.” “Last year, he had someone deliver a cake to me as he was on duty at that time too. “My expected birthday surprise turned out to be a shock that I will remember all my life,” said Nur Izzaty, her eyes welling with tears. Her 16-year-old brother, Mohd Izzat Syafiq Baharin, who was asked if he would pursue a police career like his father, shook his head and remained silent. Their mother, Suriati Sharah, 51, hoped the government would do all it could to end the fighting in Lahad Datu. “Please, I don't want any more bloodshed. I do not want to hear of any more of our officers and security personnel killed in the crisis brought about by the irresponsible Sulu gunmen,” she said.