Lahad Datu Case Study

A STUDY ON THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN THE LAHAD DATU INCIDENTS

INTRODUCTION

Lahad Datu is town and district located in Tawau, east Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. It is located on a peninsula north of Darvel Bay. The history of the Lahad Datu started around 1654 in which the Sultan of Brunei gave Sabah to Sultan of Sulu, who is also part of the Philippine government. In 1878, the Sultan of Sulu leased Sabah to the British North Borneo Company. In 1946, the company has delivered Sabah to Britain. Sabah became part of Malaysia in 1963 and has been recognized by the United Nations Organization. Sabah’s population currently stands at 3.5 million and consist of 50 different groups of race and ethnic. The majority are Kadazan – Dusun composed of 18 % followed by Bajau (14 %), Brunei’s Malays (5 %) and Murut (3 %) who emigrated from Sarawak while the rest consists of racial/ethnic minorities. Lahad Datu is surrounded by stretches of cocoa and oil palm plantations. Apart from that, it is also an important timber exporting port. Sabah state government is led by Barisan Nasional where the last General Election 2013, Barisan Nasional has won 22 parlimentary seats and 48 to 60 seats of Dewan Undangan Negeri. Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman had been selected to be Chief Minister of Sabah on 6 May

In today 's world, technology plays an important part in all aspects of our life, especially in getting information. It is undeniable, the media surround us will play their role and it had a great impact in our lives. No matter what or wherever we are, we will be constantly exposed to the news and information from the mass media. Our lives is always exposed to the media until much of our lives are vulnerable and dependent on the media. The media will influence the way we think, the way we look at issues and problems, and also affect every decision that we make when facing any situation. In addition, the media can influence the thoughts, words, deeds; the media can also form even our