Realising Neo-Classical Security And Development (KESBAN) Concept Against Criminality In Eastern Sabah

Abstract

Security and Development or Keselamatan dan Pembangunan – KESBAN was a classical counterinsurgency framework applied during the pinnacle of the communist terrorist spearheaded by the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM). It was a population-centric approach tool impeding communist ideology and militant activities during the Second Malayan Emergency (1969-1989). The objectives of this paper are to analyzed rational of the classical KESBAN concept complement with some value-added elements strengthening the counterinsurgency framework, as a neo-classical approach to confront criminal insurgency in Eastern Sabah perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG). It is also aimed to determine the criminality in Eastern Sabah as insurgency and examine the suitability of relocating the water village. This paper adopts qualitative approach research emphasizing textual analysis, with triangulation of primary and secondary data processes. However primary data are used as confirmatory evidence for the secondary data. The finding of the study suggests that the neo-classical KESBAN concept is applicable in any insurgency situation. It also substantiates that the criminal ventures in Eastern Sabah are acts of insurgency and the neo-classical counterinsurgency (KESBAN) approach augmented with comprehensive strategies works to dissolve the criminal insurgency.