Sultanate seeks release of Kiram’s nephew

MANILA, Philippines - The Sultanate of Sulu yesterday demanded Malaysia to release the nephew of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III who was accused of being a terrorist and waging war against the Malaysian monarchy.

Sultanate spokesman Abraham Idjirani said there was no reason for Malaysia to have arrested and charged Datu Amirbahar Kiram since he previously helped the Malaysian Police in its negotiations with the royal security forces (RSF) in Sabah on Feb. 12.

Kiram is a son of Sultan Bantilan Esmail Kiram, younger brother of the sultan.

“There is no reason why he should have been arrested and charged. He was helping the Malaysian Police. His only crime I guess is that he is surnamed Kiram,” Idjirani said. – With Jaime Laude, Edith Regalado