Misuari wants Malaysia out of government-MILF peace talks

MANILA, Philippines - Moro National Liberation Front chairman and former ARMM Gov. Nur Misuari assailed yesterday the involvement of Malaysia in the ongoing peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which could undermine the Philippine claim over the disputed territory of Sabah.

“I cannot understand what is the wisdom to involve Malaysia in our internal affairs,” he said.

Misuari said the involvement of Malaysia in seeking peace in Mindanao is “very dangerous, just like the proverbial sword of Damocles hanging over the head of the people in Mindanao.”

He said the moment the government and the MILF panel forge a peace agreement, which Malaysia has brokered, the government would have a debt of gratitude to the Malaysians and could mean the end of the Philippine claim over Sabah.

Claiming to be a direct heir of the Sultanate of Sulu, Misuari said even if the government will drop its claim over Sabah as a result of the peace talks with the MILF, the sultanate would never abandon their rights to the disputed territory.

He said the King of Brunei gave Sabah to his great grandfather who rescued the king and saved Brunei from coup plotters who tried to take over the Kingdom.

Sabah was later on leased to a British company but the territory was annexed by Malaysia.

The Sultanate of Sulu and the Philippine government are now claiming Sabah.

Misuari, a candidate for governor of Sulu, said the MNLF already forged a separate peace agreement with the government.

He said the MNLF is willing to open talks again with the government panel to seek a lasting peace in Mindanao.

Misuari, however, said that the MNLF would not allow Malaysia to interfere in the peace talks.

“I am asking Malaysia to desist from any kind of involvement in the peace talks in Mindanao because of the issue of Sabah and Malaysia cannot interfere in our internal affairs,” Misuari said.