KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 – Self-styled Sulu “Sultan” Jamalul Kiram III quelled all possibility of
withdrawing the Sultanate’s troops from Sabah today, saying he had never authorised anyone to negotiate “disengagement” with the Philippine or Malaysian government.
The 74-year-old Jamalul (picture) was quoting saying by several Philippine media today that he had never permitted his brother Bantilan Esmail Kiram II to explore the option during the latter’s meeting with Philippine Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas on Monday.
“The truth is I don’t like him to talk to anybody. If possible, I told him to stay with me,” Jamalul reportedly told a press conference at his residence in Taguig City, according to The Philippine Daily Inquirer.
“There is no (negotiation on disengagement). I don’t like that. It’s like playing baseball. I’m already on the third base, why would I leave? Why would I go out?”
“That (disengagement) will only happen after I talk with my brother in Sabah,” he continued, referring to Agbimuddin Kiram, who is leading the Sultanate’s armed incursion in Sabah.
Agbimuddin and 235 Sulu gunmen landed in Lahad Datu on February 9 to lay the Sultanate’s claim over the resourch-rich north Borneo territory, citing historical records of its ownership dating back to the 17th century.
According to ABS-CBN News, Jamalul also claimed that it was Roxas who had paid for Esmail’s plane tickets and his family’s to organise the meeting in Manila.
The report said the “Sultan” was baffled over why the secretary had not contacted him directly, pointing out that the “royal army” in Sabah answers directly to him.
The Philippine Star carried the same report, adding that Jamalul said he was surprised to learn that Esmail had discussed the possible “disengagement” of the Sulu troops in Sabah.
After their meeting on Monday, both Esmail and Roxas confirmed that their discussion had centred around “disengagement” of the Sultanate’s “royal army”, but would not elaborate on the matter.
Yesterday, Roxas said he had conveyed several queries raised by Esmail to Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and the latter has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to relay them to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The Kiram family had called for a ceasefire last Thursday upon receiving reports that more of its gunmen were falling from battles with Malaysian forces but Putrajaya rejected the appeal.
But Najib, in an immediate reaction, told the invaders to surrender unconditionally or face death.
The “royal” Sulu army, led by self-proclaimed “crown prince” Agbimuddin Kiram, landed in Sabah’s coastal Lahad Datu township on February 9 to lay claim over the north Borneo territory.
Attempts to resolve the conflict peacefully failed, despite intervention from the Philippine government, sparking the first round of attacks between Malaysian security forces and the Sulu gunmen on March 1.
Last Tuesday, Malaysia launched Ops Daulat, kicking off the assault with an aerial strike of bombs and heavy artillery fire before dispatching its ground troops to make a clean sweep of the coastal villages in Lahad Datu where Aagbimuddin and his men were hiding.
But the elusive Agbimuddin and his men still slipped out of sight, and are believed to be receiving aid from local villagers in the area, some of whom have been detained for questioning.
His kinsmen in the Philippines have also claimed in the media that the rebel leader contacted them several times over the past week to inform them he was still safe and unharmed.
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Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman did not rule out the involvement of third parties in the intrusion of Sulu terrorist in Sabah, as reported by the media in the Philippines recently.
Anifah said Wisma Putra will get detailed information on the matter from the Philippines to start an investigation here, to identify the culprit who abetted terrorists to create instability.
"I have asked my counterpart to provide further information on what was reported in the Philippines, that there was a possibility of third party involvement.
"Some diplomats and ambassadors are also asking, the diplomatic corps, why now? That's the very question being frequently asked at this moment of time.
JUST ADMIT THAT SABAH IS NOT BELONG TO YOU BAPA LANUN JAMALUL KIRAM TERENCAT AKAL
Most heirs to long-dead sultanates would be laughed out of the room if they laid claim to modern territory on the basis of a 135-year old claim. Yet, with the self-styled Sultan of Sulu sending an armed gang to invade Sabah on the basis of such a claim, let us consider whether his claim is valid.
"So, besides the focus and priority to finding the solution to the problem that's happening in Lahad Datu, we at the same time will begin investigations on the possibility of the 3rd party involvement,"
JUST ADMIT THAT SABAH IS NOT BELONG TO YOU BAPA LANUN JAMALUL KIRAM TERENCAT AKAL
First of all, Jamalul Kiram is just one of nine claimants to the defunct title of Sultan of Sulu. He is by no means the recognised heir, rather he has chosen to call himself the "Sultan", his brother the "Crown Prince", and his daughter "Princess" etc. More importantly, the Sulu sultanate was itself abolished way back in 1917. This would a laughable situation if the Kirams weren't backed up by an armed gang, ready to kill in a desperate bid to be taken seriously.
Anifah told reporters after a briefing session with diplomatic corps and media on the "Ops Daulat" in Lahad Datu, Sabah
JUST ADMIT THAT SABAH IS NOT BELONG TO YOU BAPA LANUN JAMALUL KIRAM TERENCAT AKAL
The Sulu claim to Sabah stems from its acquisition by the Sulu sultanate in 1704 as a reward for helping the Sultan of Brunei to quell a rebellion. In 1878, the then Sulu ruler ceded the territory to the British North Borneo Company (NBC), which, in turn, transferred sovereign rights over Sabah to Britain in 1946.
Earlier, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak had also ordered the intelligence authorities to investigate a claim that an opposition leader had a hand in the armed intrusion in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
JUST ADMIT THAT SABAH IS NOT BELONG TO YOU BAPA LANUN JAMALUL KIRAM TERENCAT AKAL
When the British granted independence to the Federation of Malaysia in 1963, Sabah was one of the territories turned over to Malaysia, which continues to pay a token rent to the heirs of the Sulu sultanate to this day. That in a nutshell is the history.
The Philippines Daily Inquirer had used a Reuters news agency article quoting a Philippines military officer as saying the intruders had come on the "invitation" of a Malaysian opposition politician.
The Manila Times had reportedly claimed that the incursion was related to the Malaysian opposition's campaign to give Sabah autonomy, if they win the general election.
JUST ADMIT THAT SABAH IS NOT BELONG TO YOU BAPA LANUN JAMALUL KIRAM TERENCAT AKAL
It is important to remember that, after Sabah was ceded to Britain in 1946, neither the Sulu clan, nor the Philippine government that was its formal successor, made any claim on Sabah till 1962. The fact that they didn't see fit to raise this claim for sixteen years shows that they realised an opportunity much later.
However, Anifah said the allegation was a serious matter but there must be strong evidence to identify the truth.
JUST ADMIT THAT SABAH IS NOT BELONG TO YOU BAPA LANUN JAMALUL KIRAM TERENCAT AKAL
In June 1962, the Philippine government lodged a formal claim to sovereignty over Sabah, or British North Borneo as they called it. But Malaysia's claim proved far stronger.
JUST ADMIT THAT SABAH IS NOT BELONG TO YOU BAPA LANUN JAMALUL KIRAM TERENCAT AKAL
The legal question centred on the translation of the Malay-Arabic word 'pajak' that appeared in the vernacular version of the 1878 agreement that handed Sabah over to the British North Borneo Company (NBC). In common parlance, the term could be used to denote both "to lease" or "to cede".
He described the armed terrorist group's action as a heinous act of terrorism and stressed that Malaysia never recognized claims by any parties on Sabah or any part of Malaysia. In carrying out of the operation against the terrorist group, he said the government will continue to take the necessary measures to provide protection to civilians in the concerned areas.
JUST ADMIT THAT SABAH IS NOT BELONG TO YOU BAPA LANUN JAMALUL KIRAM TERENCAT AKAL
The British and Malayan governments pointed out that the English language document agreed by the Sultan of Sulu categorically stated that the land was ceded "forever and until the end of time", and not leased as the Philippines claimed.
"All measures are also being taken to address humanitarian needs, including medical needs of civilians. Various government departments and agencies are working together to help locals in the affected areas.
"Malaysia therefore views with serious concern the unjustified and unsubstantiated allegations of human rights abuses, as reported by some media in the Philippines. We strongly reject such allegations," he added.
JUST ADMIT THAT SABAH IS NOT BELONG TO YOU BAPA LANUN JAMALUL KIRAM TERENCAT AKAL
Malaya's position was further reinforced by the International Court of Justice ruling that "a historic title, no matter how persuasively claimed on the basis of legal instruments and exercise of authority, cannot – except in the most extraordinary circumstances – prevail in law over the rights of non-self-governing people to claim independence and establish their sovereignty through the exercise of bona fide self-determination."
The minister said that all action taken by the government had been in conformity with applicable Malaysian law, rules, regulation and national policies and applicable international norms and standards.
JUST ADMIT THAT SABAH IS NOT BELONG TO YOU BAPA LANUN JAMALUL KIRAM TERENCAT AKAL
Indeed, in line with the internationally accepted principle of self-determination, the people of Sabah expressed their preference to join the larger Malaysian Federation through a free referendum in 1962 that was supervised by a United Nations fact-finding mission.
"In carrying out the operation, the government not only complies with the guarantees as set out in the Malaysian Federal Constitution but also applicable international human rights norms and standards," he said.
JUST ADMIT THAT SABAH IS NOT BELONG TO YOU BAPA LANUN JAMALUL KIRAM TERENCAT AKAL
And again in the 1963 election, the majority of the people of Sabah showed they had no desire to be a part of the Philippines, or, for that matter, of the historical Sulu sultanate.
Anifah said, the government was also committed to upholding the principles of ASEAN Charter and ASEAN Declaration of human rights.
JUST ADMIT THAT SABAH IS NOT BELONG TO YOU BAPA LANUN JAMALUL KIRAM TERENCAT AKAL
That is where the matter rests today. To mollify Jamalul Kiram, the Philippine government is now considering taking Malaysia to the International Court of Justice, but any Philippine claim to Sabah stands little chance of being recognised.
"Malaysia's position is very clear, the terrorist should lay down their arms and surrender unconditionally to allow for the law to take its course," he said.
At the same time Anifah said, Malaysia will not get its Asean neighbours involved in the East Sabah crisis because Malaysia has the situation under control.
JUST ADMIT THAT SABAH IS NOT BELONG TO YOU BAPA LANUN JAMALUL KIRAM TERENCAT AKAL
It is perhaps ironic that Sabah first came into Sulu possession in 1704 because they helped end an uprising, yet in 2013 the Sulu claimants are trying to regain it by attempting an armed intrusion themselves. This is their last stab at history, before the Sulu claim will have to give way finally to the modern reality.
According to him, he had briefed the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, yesterday on the developments of the situation in Lahad Datu and Semporna, Sabah.
"We respect the internal affairs of any other member states in Asean. I have briefed the Sultan of Brunei, who is also the chairman of Asean.
"He appreciated the brief on the stand off and it is not necessary to involve any of our neighbours as we are at the top of the situation," he said.
The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) recognises and respects the decision taken by the people of Sabah to join Malaysia in 1963, says chairman Muslimin Sema (picture).
The Sabah people, he said, had the right to determine their own destiny by joining Malaysia 50 years ago, and that right should not be disputed by any quarters.
“We [the MNLF] recognised the desire of the Sabah people to decide and determine their own destiny. They have decided to join Malaysia and we accede to their desire, that is our position,” he said.
The dovish Muslimin, who is currently the Vice-Mayor of Cotabato City in southern Philipines, said he had been to Sabah in 1973 and personally witnessed the happiness felt by the Sabahans, led by their leaders after joining Malaysia.
“They have decided and we accepted it,” he said, adding that he still had many relatives in Sabah, who were loyal Malaysian citizens and earning a good and prosperous livelihood.
“They have been able to earn a good and prosperous life in Sabah, which they are incapable of, had they remained in the Southern Philippines. I don’t want anything bad to happen to them because of what is happening now,” he said. The MNLF, he said, considered Sabah and Malaysia as their “big brother”.
Ada2 saja si Kiram ni.
All he wants is power.
Check out his daughter's twitter.
This man has nothing but a very ugly heart.
The 36 followers of Agbimuddin Kiram who were intercepted by the Navy off Tawi-Tawi on Wednesday with a cache of arms after apparently fleeing Sabah are to be charged with illegal possession of firearms, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima (picture) said Thursday.
De Lima said the 35 men and a woman who claimed to be members of the Sultanate of Sulu’s Royal Security Forces (RSF) would be brought to court for inquest on charges of illegal possession of firearms at the least.
“They can be charged immediately with illegal possession of firearms and other deadly weapons,’’
On criticisms the government was quicker to file charges against them than protesting Malaysia’s alleged inhumane treatment of Filipinos, she said, “This group has committed unlawful and criminal acts, and we can’t set these aside.’’
The interception of the group came a month after Agbimuddin Kiram and his men crossed by speedboats from Tawi-Tawi to Lahad Datu on Feb. 9 to press the sultanate’s claim to Sabah, triggering a standoff with Malaysian forces that eventually led to battles in which the Malaysians threw in aerial and artillery bombardment. More than 60 people have been reported killed since, nine of them members of the Malaysian security forces.
kedaulatan negeri dan keselamatan nyawa rakyat Sabah masih tergugat, janganlah kita menuding sesama sendiri, biarlah isu pencerobohan oleh militan Sulu ini diselesaikan bersama-sama
Sabah people must unite and work together to destroy invaders from the Philippines who are still in Sabah
We salute our fallen heroes who have paid the highest price in defence of our nation and territory.
Our thoughts and prayers also go to members of our security forces who are now in the frontline of this conflict
As an independent nation, Malaysia has a sovereign right to ensure recognition and respect for the territorial integrity of its international borders.
As the conflict continues, we call on all parties to take all necessary action to minimise any further injury and loss of life.
"Last Tuesday, Malaysia launched Ops Daulat, kicking off the assault with an aerial strike of bombs and heavy artillery fire before dispatching its ground troops to make a clean sweep of the coastal villages in Lahad Datu where Aagbimuddin and his men were hiding."
harap kumpulan militan Sulu ini yang masih hidup serah diri dengan rela
"His kinsmen in the Philippines have also claimed in the media that the rebel leader contacted them several times over the past week to inform them he was still safe and unharmed."
bukti Agbimuddin Kiram masih hidup...
tentera Kiram ini akan dhapuskan hingga licin jika mereka enggan menyerah.
Budaya membalas dendam yang terpupuk dalam diri masyarakat di selatan Filipina sejak ratusan tahun dahulu memungkinkan tragedi berdarah di Lahad Datu berulang kembali pada masa hadapan, kata Menteri Pertahanan Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Justeru, beliau berkata pihak keselamatan Malaysia tidak akan berkompromi terhadap isu keselamatan negara dan inisiatif Kawasan Keselamatan Khas (ESSCOM) sepanjang kira-kira 1,400km di pantai timur Sabah merupakan antara langkah terbaik mengelakkan tragedi berdarah itu berulang kembali.
"Saya meletakkan keyakinan penuh kepada pasukan tentera dan polis kita dalam memastikan tragedi ini tidak berulang kembali, namun kebimbangan itu tetap ada kerana budaya membalas dendam ada dalam diri mereka (masyarakat itu).
Ahmad Zahid berkata budaya membalas dendam itu sehingga kini masih berlaku di selatan Filipina seperti pembakaran rumah berlaku setiap bulan dan tidak mustahil tragedi berdarah di Lahad Datu itu menyebabkan pengganas Sulu bertindak membalas dendam kepada Malaysia pada masa hadapan.
"Kalau itu berlaku di kalangan mereka tidak mustahil berlaku di negara kita. Bagaimana jaminan (tragedi itu tidak berulang) dapat dilakukan sedangkan mereka punyai budaya balas dendam.
Kerana itu pentingnya kita wujudkan ESSCOM bagi memastikan ini tidak berlaku," katanya.
Ditanya tentang rasional Malaysia bekerjasama dengan Filipina bagi mengambil tindakan ketenteraan di selatan Filipina bagi menghapuskan ancaman itu secara terus di puncanya, beliau berkata tindakan ketenteraan bukan penyelesaian kepada masalah itu.
"Pertama kalau kita masuk ke Filipina ke kawasan mereka, kita tidak hormati kedaulatan Filipina, begitu juga sebaliknya dengan kita di Malaysia. Jadi kedaulatan kedua-dua negara ini perlu dihormati.
"Kedua kita berbalik kepada budaya membalas dendam itu sendiri. Jika kita minta kerajaan Filipina bersama kita bersihkan kawasan itu, oleh kerana budaya dendam itu sentiasa ada, masalah tidak dapat diselesaikan dengan tindakan ketenteraan," katanya.
Terdapat cadangan di kalangan rakyat Malaysia supaya pemimpin pengganas itu Jamalul Kiram diekstradisi ke Malaysia bagi didakwa di mahkamah negara ini, dan mengulas cadangan itu beliau berkata atas nama kebersamaan negara Asean, Malaysia boleh meminta Filipina untuk berbuat demikian.
Beliau berkata ada kewajaran terdapat cadangan daripada Pergerakan Pemuda Umno bagi mendakwa Jamalul Kiram dan pengikutnya mengikut Seksyen 121 Kanun Keseksaan kerana melancarkan perang terhadap Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"Mungkin akta dan seksyen itu sesuai tetapi kita serahkan kepada Peguam Negara akta mana paling sesuai digunakan. Apapun saya tegaskan pengganas yang kita tahan di Malaysia itu akan diambil tindakan perundangan sewajarnya.
"Kesalahan mereka itu dilakukan di negara kita jadi tindakan mahkamah dan perundangan mesti dilakukan di negara kita. Ia akan tertakluk kepada undang-undang di sini, kita menggangap mereka adalah penceroboh," kata Ahmad Zahid.
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