KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 18): The family of Sarawakian Bernard Then, who was beheaded by Abu Sayyaf militants in Southern Philippines last November, said the government should look after the safety of the nation and its citizens.

In the eulogy for Then at a funeral mass at a church in Petaling Jaya today, his older brother Gerald said the family had lived on the edge, in fear, during the 188 days he was held hostage.

He said after a long wait, they were there to bid him farewell.

"We pray that the government will live up to its responsibility to take the safety of our nation seriously," he added.

Gerald also said as Christians, they were called to forgive those who had wronged them by taking Bernard away.

"It is not easy to forgive, but we are called to be merciful as God is merciful.

"We also hope God shows mercy to his perpetrators and those responsible for  Bernard's suffering."

He also said the family hoped no one else would have to suffer like Bernard did, or have to bear the heartache of the family.

"Bernard was taken away too soon, we know he is in a better place in heaven," he said.

Mass celebrant Father Alberto Irenus said in his sermon that even as Bernard's family grieved, they found ?in their hearts the need to give to charity by donating to a church in Manila.

He said people all over the world would have reacted to the news about Bernard's passing with sadness.

"When I read the news, I wept.

"Because of this despicable act by man to man, this brave man is no longer.

"We are gathered here today in sorrow, but we are bound together in faith that will bring us closer to God," the priest said.

Federal lawmaker Steven Sim, who was among several MPs present at the church, said he did not know the family personally.

"Bernard paid a heavy price, too big for anyone to bear.

"If our government does not wake up and get their act together to keep security at our borders in check, his sacrifice will be in vain.

"I hope this is the last precious life to be sacrificed because of the negligence of our security forces," Sim said after the mass.

Sandakan MP Stephen Wong said it was sad that no one from the government was present with Bernard's family today.

"The government should have sent a representative, do they not owe something to the family?

"They did not even apologise," he said.

He added that Putrajaya also owed Malaysians an apology for not looking after security and failing to keep the nation safe.

Friends of the Then family who attended the funeral were sombre, with Michael FG saying, "What happened was unnecessary but at least there's closure."

Another family friend said it was a sad ending.

"Why is this happening?

"This is not the first kidnap case in Malaysia, why does it keep happening?"