Kiram to seek backing of Brunei sultan on Sabah claim

MANILA, Philippines - Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram III intends to seek an audience with Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah when he comes to the Philippines next week on a state visit.

Abraham Idjirani, spokesman for the sultanate, said Kiram intends to get the support of Bolkiah on the sultanate’s claim on Sabah.

Idjirani added the sultanate of Sulu also intends to get suggestions from Bolkiah on how to diplomatically resolve the row should Malaysia finally agree to sit down with the sultanate.

Idjirani said the Sulu sultanate wants to take the opportunity to discuss the Sabah issue with Bolkiah as Brunei now heads the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He said historically, Brunei gave Sabah to the sultanate of Sulu as a reward for its help in quashing a rebellion in North Borneo in 1678.

“We would want to get Brunei’s support on the claim of the sultanate over Sabah. We also would want to get Brunei’s suggestions should Malaysia agree to discuss the Sabah issue,” said Idjirani.

Bolkiah will be in Manila from April 15 to 16. It will be his first state visit under the administration of President Aquino.

Bolkiah and Aquino are expected to discuss Brunei’s chairmanship of the ASEAN as well as the strengthening of bilateral relations.

Idjirani said the letter signifying Kiram’s intention of meeting Bolkiah was already conveyed to the embassy of Brunei yesterday.

He said the embassies of Spain, China, France, Germany, the United States, Indonesia, Malaysia and the United Kingdom were also furnished the letter.

Idjirani said the sultanate of Sulu had signed historical treaties with Spain, China, France, Germany, the US and the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Indonesia and Malaysia (then the Federation of Malaya) were sent copies of the sultan’s letter as these countries signed the 1963 Manila Accord.

On the other hand, a ranking police official dismissed the claims made by Idjirani of having reinforced their beleaguered fighters in Sabah as part of their propaganda offensive.– With Non Alquitran, Edu Punay