Sulu sultanate to pursue Sabah claims through diplomatic means

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The successor of the Sultanate of Sulu said yesterday that their claims on Sabah would continue, but through diplomatic and legal approach.

Esmail Kiram II, who succeeded his late brother Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, said he would not encourage bloody means in pursuing their claims unlike what happened in February when at least 200 members of the sultanate army holed themselves out in Lahad Datu.

The late Kiram earlier said his brother Agbimuddin and his group went to Lahad Datu to peacefully pursue their claims on Sabah, but were reportedly forced to defend themselves against the alleged hostile actions of the Malaysian forces.

Kiram said the hostility of the Malaysian forces against his brother’s group had ceased. He did not say whether Agbimuddin is still hiding in Sabah or has returned to the country.