Why only now? Sultanate asks Nur on claim of Sabah ownership

Abigail Kwok, InterAksyon.com

MANILA, Philippines - The sultanate of Sulu Wednesday brushed off claims made by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari that his tribe was the "real owner" of Sabah, but said they have no ill feelings toward their Muslim brother.

Abraham Idjirani, sultanate spokesman and secretary general, also questioned the timing of Misuari’s move to assert his claim on Sabah.

"Why did he make this statement only now?" Idjirani said in a phone interview, recalling that Misuari even visited the sultan's residence in Taguig City at the height of the standoff.

Idjirani said that while it was true that Misuari's ancestor, Panglima Mahabasser Elidji, helped the Sultan of Brunei quell a revolt in 1658, it was not true that Sabah was turned over to Elidji in return.

He said historical records will show that in exchange for quelling the rebellion, Sabah was turned over to the then Sultan of Sulu, who was the uncle of the Sultan of Brunei.

"How can Professor Misuari claim he really owned Sabah when they (his ancestors) were just warriors? It is the Sultan of Sulu who makes the decision," Idjirani said.

He said Misuari was "distorting historical facts" and that the MNLF chairman and his family were just constituents of the sultanate.

Idjirani said Sultan Jamalul Kiram III himself laughed off Misuari's claims.

Idjirani said they would only support the planned rescue mission for Filipinos in Sabah if there was "no political objective" on the part of Misuari.

Meanwhile, he said the Royal Security Force has received more reinforcements in Sabah and their number now stands at over 500, up from the 160 to which it had declined after skirmishes broke out between Malaysian forces and the sultanate’s forces since March 1..