TEMERLOH: The Government has never compromised on matters concerning national security and has always acted swiftly to overcome problems over border infiltration, especially involving internal elements.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said some of the actions taken had shocked the country, but were necessary.

“What was done by the Government through the announcement by the KSN (Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa) might have shocked the nation but it had to be done … not due to the fault of the head (of the agency concerned).

“The responsibility given to us is carried out not because of the position or individual, but because we must look at security and cross-border crime to ensure the well-being of the people and public peace,” he said in his speech at the Hari Raya Aidilfitri gathering organised by the Temerloh Umno division at Dataran Lanchang here yesterday.

On Friday, Dr Ali announced a reshuffle of several positions in government departments, including that of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission deputy chief commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali, who takes over as Immigration director-general tomorrow.

He will replace Datuk Seri Sakib Kusmi, who has been moved to the Public Service Department.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Home Minister, said Malaysians were fortunate because they could comfortably celebrate the various festivals as they had a government which placed security as the key to the country’s well-being.

“We celebrate Aidilfitri to the extent that we overshoot the month of Syawal. But look at what is happening in other Muslim countries, some of the people there cannot celebrate as happily as we do,” he said. — Bernama