Did you know Sultan Jamalul Kiram III was once a Bayanihan dancer and a radio announcer?

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South China Morning Post published today my news profile-analysis of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III and the Sabah issue.

My thanks to my editor Andrew London,  and Hari Kumar who subbed the piece  prior to publication.

My thanks, too, to @Eldes Tran – SCMP’s online news producer for posting my  piece on Twitter.

Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram III continues to fight for Sabah

Jamalul Kiram III has taken his demand for the Malaysian state to be given back to his family to the next level, with deadly results

Sunday, 03 March, 2013, 12:00am

Raissa Robles

When the Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels signed a framework peace agreement at the Philippine presidential palace last October, one man in the jam-packed Heroes Hall did not join in the jubilation.

That man was 75-year-old Jamalul Kiram III, who was invited to represent the Sultanate of Sulu in the southern Philippines. He comes from a once-wealthy ruling clan that traces its lineage back to the 15th century and what is now Malaysia’s Sabah state.

Kiram was offended that neither Philippine President Benigno Aquino nor Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak had acknowledged his presence.

That royal snub, along with persistent reports of Kiram’s supporters being flogged and deported once again from Sabah, was what drove dozens of his followers to sail from their remote Philippine islands last month to press his claim.

It wasn’t an invasion, Kiram insisted, but a coming home.

“Sabah is ours,” he said, referring to the oil-rich state.

The group representing itself as a royal militia in the service of Kiram arrived by boat on February 12 to re-establish its long-dormant claim to the North Borneo area. The ensuing stand-off with Malaysian authorities erupted into violence on Friday, leaving 14 people dead.

Little of the fabled wealth Kiram’s family once owned is evident in the modest two-storey house in Maharlika Village that he calls home. The village is full of refugees from the decades-long Muslim rebel conflict in Mindanao.

From the statements of Kiram, his relatives and Philippine government documents, there emerges the colourful history of how his family has tried to reassert ownership over Sabah. To this day, the Malaysian embassy in Manila delivers a yearly payment – the equivalent of 5,300 ringgit (HK$13,300).

An exasperated Kiram told Aquino: “Mr President, what more proof do you want us to show that Sabah is ours? By the mere fact that Malaysia is paying us annually in the amount of 5,300 Malaysia ringgit, is it not enough?”

Ten years ago, Malaysia’s ambassador to Manila, Mohamed Taufik, confirmed this arrangement when he told the Sunday Morning Post: “I recently paid 5,000 ringgit to the Kiram family. It’s rather miniscule – around 70,000 pesos.” He said “the rent is still being paid but it doesn’t mean we recognise” the family’s ownership.

To read the rest, pls. click on this link.

I will be posting more on the Sabah issue.

I will also be posting on the Intellectual Property Code amendments and our coming  elections.

Comments

  2. @17 Did you know Sultan . . .

    “With the death of Jamalul II, his brother Mawalil succeeded him but died suddenly six months later – again allegedly from poisoning. Mawalil’s son Esmail became sultan.

    “In 1962, he ceded “full sovereignty, title and dominion” over Sabah to the Philippine government.”

    But you did not mention that in 1989, Sultan Jamalul Kiram III “revoked the resolution of August 1962 regarding the transfer of title and sovereignty to the Republic of the Philippines.”

    Is it because Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, until today, is merely one of the claimants as ruler of the Sultanate after the death of the legitimate ruler, Sultan Mahakuttah Kiram, in 1986? Meaning that the “revocation” done by Sultan Kiram III could not supersede the grant done by Sultan Esmail Kiram. In effect the “full sovereignty, title and dominion” over Sabah is still with the Philippine government.

    The recent pronouncement by Sultan Jamalul Kiram III that the Philippine government has sovereignty over Sabah contradicts his own act revoking the same in 1989. In other words he, among the claimants to the throne, has no right to demand help from the Philippine government by exercising its sovereignty over Sabah NOW.

    Reply

    • Ganoon naman pala ang nangyari so he goes alone ” kuno ” in Sabah with armed followers/relatives and whose backing’s coming from Manila elites having a vested interest on the PICNIC turned bloody shootings incidents.

      Reply

      • the sultan’s mind is like a sieve, full of holes. his long term memory is mostly jumbled, and doesn’t have good memory of historic past. diabetes probably did it to him, numbed off some of his brain cells. he’s not thinking straight.

        Reply

        • also, they did not mention that the sultan has declared sulu free and independent state in november 2010. the sultan should be statesman enough, fully responsible for his holdings and do his own negotiations. his brother and crown prince have led the armed incursion into malaysia, they are already there and could negotiate on the sultan’s behalf. so why dont they? they just want to draw PNoy into trouble this election year.

          Reply

          • Tama ka [email protected], ….if PNOY moves wrong on the latest Sabah PICNIC , he will be pounded left and right , front and rear …he he sorry they can not corrupt PNOY…. The former HUETING QUEEN , TING TING can not also get what she wants …..so ….. Solsol na lang sila ng solsol baka sakaling makahabol sa survey he he si TINGTING…

            Reply

            • ay, kabaasa ko lang sa abs-cbnnews.com na yong dialysis at medical bills daw ni sultan kiram ay sagot ng gobyerno, the money came from PCSO, phil. charity sweepstakes office. the question is how could the sultan fund the armed incursion into malaysia, rent the big boats that took his followers over there when he rarely have money for his hospitalization?

              Reply

  3. … i agree with Mel (#4.2)… i wish the heirs would come up with a document signed by the clan designating a leader to speak and sign for all the claimants so that the Malaysian govt won’t have an excuse as to whom to talk to with regard to said ownership of land. And since the Kirams acknowledged that the land or territory in question is also owned by the Philippines then let the Philippine govt stand as a witness to this dialog, if ever there will be one.

    Reply

    • If the KIRAMs owe allegiance to the Philippines then let us be witness to their dialog. But with regards to sovereignty ( Phil. Govnt. Ownersip of Sabah ) WAG NA TAYONG MAKIRAWRAW DYAN. Nag referendum na sila SABAHANs and elected to be under Federation of Malaya, bakit pa tayo sasali sa gulo nila e ang linaw naman na PROPRIETY RIGHTS ang pinaglalabanan nila at GUSTO nilang ISALI TAYO ng mg KIRAM.

      Reply

  4. Who’s the rightful heir?

    Lacierda said one problem with the current conflict is that there are many claimants to the title of sultan of Sulu, with Kiram just one of them. He noted that the wife of Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari is also a claimant to the title.

    “People keep simplifying the issue. Atin yan, ano ba ang problema? Let’s look at the historical claim and see first of all, sino ba ang tunay na sultan? Hanggang ngayon, wala, kasi the crown council of the royal sultanate did not decide on the rightful sultan,” he said.

    The spokesman said Kiram’s father was stripped of his title of crown prince by the sultan, Ismael Kiram. He noted that there are 9 original claimants to the title of sultan, according to historical records.

    Lacierda said there have been several attempts by the Philippine government to unify the heirs and strengthen the Sabah claim. He said President Ferdinand Marcos renounced the Philippines’ claim on Sabah but that the Malaysians did not believe him.

    During the time of President Corazon Aquino, Malacañang again tried to unify the heirs but Jamalul Kiram spoiled the talks.

    “Santanina Rasul brought all the heirs to Malacanang, hoping they will be unified. Guess who was the party spoiler? Mr. Jamalul Kiram was the party spoiler. And again, during the time of President Ramos, there was again that attempt to unify the heirs dahil unang-una, how do you talk to Malaysia if you do not know the leader?” he asked.

    Lacierda noted it was only during the time of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that the Philippine government recognized Kiram as the “sultan of Sulu” and included him in the administration’s senatorial ticket.

    “He was recognized – this is so funny. Nur Misuari has his own manok. His wives are also heirs. It is not for the government to say it. It is up to the crown council to say it,” he said.

    SOURCE: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/03/04/13/palace-fate-kiram-men-malaysia

    Read Related comments:

    – Terminate the Lease

    – Absurd or comical

    Reply

    • When the Sabah issue erupted in the Senate in 1989 ( and I covered that) guess who wanted to drop the Sabah claim – an incumbent senator named Santanina Rasul.

      The palace should ask Sen. Tito Guingona, one of the LP senior leaders.

      Reply

  5. That’s true … @moonie.

    Lives have been lost and counting. An armed force repossession by a private army was a tragic mistake.

    But it is not yet too late, if PNoy taps to Allah’s wisdom and by ‘Good Will’ reaches out directly to the hold-out Filipinos in Sabah, and dialogues with the Malaysian PM to simmer down the recent tension.

    What Marcos’ ‘Oplan Merdeka’ plan to accomplish 45 years ago, the Royal Private Army tried to do it this year for the Sultanate of Sulu.

    See related comment #12.

    Reply

    • Guess who was the student activist, and a University Professor who became a moro rebel leader because of the ‘Jabidah Massacre’, linked with Marcos’ ‘Oplan Merdeka’ plan for Sabah 45 years ago?

      Now, this same former moro rebel leader may be behind the armed fighting or violence at Sabah, using the proprietary rights of the heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu over Sabah against the Territory gov’t of Malaysia over North Borneo. Changed of tact this time – the rebel leader turned instigator.

      Reply

      • PULL QUOTE –

        “Misuari, who visited Sulu Sultant Jamalul Kiram III at the latter’s Maharlika Village residence in Taguig City, said any talk about his involvement “are all wild speculations.”

        Although Misuari acknowledged that some of those involved in the Sabah sojourn are MNLF “freedom fighters,” he said their involvement was “without my knowledge.”

        Misuari denies hand in Sabah crisis

        By: Abigail Kwok, InterAksyon.com
        March 5, 2013 3:03 PM

        MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE 4:43 PM) Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari on Tuesday denied any hand in the attempt of the Sulu sultanate to press its claim on Sabah by sending more than 200 followers to the territory. The spokesman for the sultanate also denied speculations that Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim had a hand in the crisis.

        This, as the Sulu sultanate, speaking through Princess Jacel Kiram, asserted that no instigator, financier or foreign interest was behind the mission of the sultanate’s followers in Sabah.

        Misuari, who visited Sulu Sultant Jamalul Kiram III at the latter’s Maharlika Village residence in Taguig City, said any talk about his involvement “are all wild speculations.”

        “In the first place, I have not inspired anyone to make this venture,” he said, adding, “I cannot preempt the sultan.”

        And, he added, for him “to finance (the Sabah venture) is out of the question.”

        On Monday, President Benigno Aquino III claimed there was a “conspiracy” behind the Sabah voyage of the sultanate’s followers and vowed to punish those responsible.

        However, he admitted that he did not have enough proof yet to name names.

        Although Misuari acknowledged that some of those involved in the Sabah sojourn are MNLF “freedom fighters,” he said their involvement was “without my knowledge.” The standoff erupted in violence Friday and, by Tuesday, saw Malaysian security forces mount a massive assault in Lahad Datu town.

        Misuari, however, said he would not be surprised if MNLF fighters went and supported the Royal Sulu Army as it was a “matter of duty” on their part.

        No instigator, financier, foreign interest – sultanate

        Princess Jacel Kiram, the daughter of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, also denied allegations that there were groups or people behind the group of men who went to Lahad Datu.

        Reacting to President Benigno Aquino III’s statement Monday warning that plotters and conspirators will be charged, Princess Kiram said, “Mr. President, wala pong nag sulsol, walang financier at walang foreign interest na nakikialam sa ginagawa ng sultanate ng Sulu.”

        Reading a statement from the sultan, she said, “Please, please, do not disrespect the integrity of our intentions.”

        She challenged Aquino to pledge to the public to protect and fight for Filipinos in Sabah. “Isumpa mo yan sa 98 million Filipinos na mga boss mo. Magpakatotoo po kayo sa inyong sinasabi na kayo ang boss ko. Sana maramdaman namin ito sa kilos at gawa [Please swear to the 98 million Filipinos whom you call your boss that you will protect Filipino lives. I hope we can truly feel you’re our boss both in word and deed].”

        Abraham Idjirani, the sultanate’s spokesman, meanwhile, also denied reports emerging in Malaysian media that opposition bet Anwar Ibrahim was backing the sultanate.

        Idjirani said Sultan Kiram has no time to fly to Malaysia and meet with Anwar as he could not miss his regular dialysis.

        SOURCE: www interaksyon com/article/56401/misuari-denies-hand-in-sabah-crisis

        Read Thousands of Tausug sailing to Sabah to aid beleaguered comrades – MNLF exec

        Reply

        • Financed by conspirators or KKB?

          Aquino said Kiram III’s group won’t be able to launch such action in Sabah without conspirators, whom he said were critics of the government. He also suggested that the conspirators were the ones who financed the voyage of Kiram III’s followers to Sabah.

          Aquino suggested that Kiram III didn’t have money to bankroll the voyage to Sabah because the expenses for the latter’s dialysis were being shouldered by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

          “May sakit si Sultan Jamalul Kiram, kailangan niyang mag-dialysis. ‘Yong dialysis, tinutulungan siya ng PCSO [Sultan Jamalul Kiran is sick, he needs to undergo dialysis. He is being helped by the PCSO for his dialysis.] So even in terms of attending to his own health, he really needs assistance,” the President said.

          Source: http://www.interaksyon.com/article/56339/aquino-insists-journey-of-sultans-men-to-sabah-a-conspiracy-vows-to-hold-plotters-liable

          Reply

  7. Absurd or comical

    By an act of Congress of the Philippines, to exercise the gov’t’s inherent power of Eminent domain by Expropriation over the Sabah Territory from the heirs of Sultan of Sulu Mohammed Jamalul Alam.

    Due to the complexities revolving around the affairs (e.g. bickering & squabbling), err even the unresolved disputes of who is The rightful Sultan amongst the heirs of Sultan of Sulu Mohammed Jamalul Alam (circa January 22, 1878), which has catapulted to an armed conflict between a private army with another nation’s military, it could lead to a souring and regressive relationship between the Philippines and Malaysia.

    Compensation proceeds be placed on a foundation to, for and in behalf of the bona fide heirs, Sultan of Sulu Mohammed Jamalul Alam lineage descendants to be determined by a presidential committee composed of Academics, apolitical or non partisan but eminent (learned) leaders.

    Another opportunity for PNoy to parallel the Gov’t – MILF Peace Developments and the Malaysia – Sabah thorny leasehold issue with present day heirs.

    A common facilitator or denominator between these two Filipino Moro factions (Bangsamoro; MILF – MNLF) is Malaysia.

    Temper down the violence that has erupted recently in Sabah, allow or spear head a dialogue to settle a long simmering and unresolved issue between The Philippines and Malaysia involving the Sabah territory.

    In previous years, Malaysia has offered to buy the Sabah Territory, but squabbling heirs dampen the prospects. But an act of Congress with the Executive – this can be peacefully and practically settled, while the Philippines can strengthen its ASEAN relationships with Malaysia and other members. There is a bigger threat to their ASEAN multi relationships – which is China expanding its influence in their common – shared region.

    Just an opinion, nothing more than an IMHO.

    Reply

  8. instead of being dancer and radio announcer, the sultan ought to have gone to universities and studied political science and public adminstration. he might have been better statesman.

    the sultan only has one wife? just the one wife? what happened to his harem and the oh so pretty girls that made up his harem?

    Reply

  9. To ICJ, the Sabah claim will be?

    Statutory Claim Over Sabah under RA 5446 Retained
     
    Petitioners’ argument for the invalidity of RA 9522 for its failure to textualize the Philippines’ claim over Sabah in North Borneo is also untenable. Section 2 of RA 5446, which RA 9522 did not repeal, keeps open the door for drawing the baselines of Sabah:
     

    Section 2. The definition of the baselines of the territorial sea of the Philippine Archipelago as provided in this Act is without prejudice to the delineation of the baselines of the territorial sea around the territory of Sabah, situated in North Borneo, over which the Republic of the Philippines has acquired dominion and sovereignty.

    – G.R. No. 187167

    (Link will come next…)

    Reply

  10. It’s futile to bring to International Court of Justice the Sultan of Sulu and Philippine government claim over Sabah as the Secretary General of the United Nations has recognized the independence of North Borneo
    ( Sabah) in a 1963 election which ceded its island and 6 smaller islands to the Malaysian Federation. The nternational Court of Justice further reinforced it with a view that :
    ” HISTORIC TITLE, NO MATTER HOW PERSUASIVELY CLAIMED ON THE BASIS OF OLD LEGAL INSTRUMENTS AND EXERCISES OF AUTHORITY CAN NOT – EXCEPT IN THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY CICUMSTANCES- PREVAIL IN LAW OVER THE RIGHTS OF NON SELF GOVERNING PEOPLE TO CLAIM INDEPENDENCE AND ESTABLISH THEIR SOVEREIGNTY.

    What’s the point of the Philippine government under PNOY to lodge its claim over Sabah to ICJ. Unless the Sultan of Sulu accept that their claim over Sabah is indeed in vain now due to LOST IN TRANSLATION. I don’t agree PNOY has blood on his hand. If the Sultan of Sulu just listened to PNOY to go back first to Philippines to discuss their claim diplomatically, there would be no killing in Sabah now. They are considered intruders or perhaps “trespassers” for the island they are renting out to Malaysia.

    Granted Malaysia is still paying rent to the Sultan but as of ICJ view that historic title of old legal instruments can not prevail in law over the independence of the Sabah people in 1963 election. Wala na siyang hahabulin at magpabayad na lang siya ng malaking halaga batay sa ngayong halaga

    Reply

    • with the number of malaysians dead and rising, I doubt if malaysia will just hand sabah over to the sultanate. besides, the sultan does not have his papers in order. all he has is rent papers which maybe even be fake. I’ve read somewhere that malaysian home office denies having knowledge of rent paid.

      Reply

    • I agree @letlet….. Did the heir’s of the Sultanete of Sulu ever PAY Taxes on the RENTALs or amount paid by first by the TWO BROTHERs then the company of North Borneo and lastly the Malaysian Government.

      Was there any TAX REMITANCES made all throughout the duration of the ” PADYAK ” ? Are they EXEMPTED on Income Taxation earned outside our Country ?

      Reply

    • @ Letlet,

      If only they (KIRAMs) listened & agreed to Pnoy call to go back home so Things can be settle down sana ay wala namatay sa magkabilang panig kaso nagmatigas pala si Jamalul Kiram lll gayon handa na sana lumipat si Esmail Kiram para makipagkasundo sa Malaysian Government pero hindi ito pinayagan ni Jamalul Kiram ll, BAKIT? Ayaw pala makinig sa pakiusap kay Pnoy at sa Malaysian Government tapos last week humingi nang Unilateral Cease Fire si Jamalul Kiram lll, BAKIT kaya? Parang Ulyanin na itong si jamalul KIram lll? Paiba iba ang sinasabi sa ginagawa?At last week nagbigay nang ulat ang anak na prinsesa tungkol sa mga namatay daw sa malaysia at may pictures pa pero fake pala? dahil ang picture ay kuha sa ibang bansa at matagal na pala nangyari? Palpak Ulit ngayon sino pa kaya maniniwala sa mga ito? kong nakinig lang sana itong si jamalul Kiram ay maganda sana ang mangyari at walang nagbuhis nang BUHAY? SAYANG dahil sa PANSARILING KASAKIMAN MARAMI ANG NASAWI, NASUGATAN AT NAGDURUSA….

      Reply

  11. I just find it really funny that slacktivists and armchair patriots are calling on the Philippine government to send military troops to invade and secure Sabah. What these idiots don’t know is that the Kirams are reclaiming Sabah not for the Philippines but for themselves. The Kirams are using emotional appeals to entice the gullible into fighting and shedding blood for them.

    But if those pseudo-nationalists are still insisting that the government should invade Sabah, then they should just put their feet where their mouths are and storm Sabah by themselves (read: no government assistance). Hindi lang dapat sa Facebook ang tapang.

    Reply

  12. I get ‘pagjack-ing’ dizzy who is really the Sultan…Kiram III and other Sultan(s) claimants to Sabah. One Manila-based Sultan…Ferdinand E. Marcos also ‘put his sultan’ fingers into this squabble by ‘designating’ another claimant of his choice, meaning – he was a higher Sultan at that. Phew!

    The only best and effective way to resolve this relic claim is by buying…that is to pay…money to end the claim without prejudice to allowing claimants to settle in the area. How much will be a good question. But counting money is easier than resolving ‘too many’ unreachable paper interpretations of so many words-meanings.

    If parties sit down, how much? Once and for all, to end the claim. And equitably divide the money agreed to be paid. Money money money!

    Reply

    • hi, leona, there is another sultan of sulu that the malaysians are interested to talk to, he’s mohd akjan ali mohammad, the sultan of sulu in 2011. he’s a business man and currently not in his residence in malaysia, probably gone into hiding. the malaysians can’t find him.

      Reply

  13. even if the Kiram heirs resolve their in-fighting and have a united stand in laying claim to Sabah, there is still one teeny-tiny problem i foresee.

    Sabah is inhabited by around 3 million people. are they not gonna be consulted about what happens to the land they’ve lived on for generations? about what will happen to them?

    the Kirams should be financially compensated but when it comes to governing or administering it or being part of the Philippines, the Sabahans should decide that rather than have some centuries old lease agreement rammed down their throats.

    we all know what happens when those who have the most at stake, the ones who are actually living there for generations, get sidelined. just look at the middle east conflict.

    Reply

  14. I’ll turn in for the night now.

    It will be a long day tomorrow.

    Thanks for reading, guys.

    I’ve decided to finish the Intellectual Property Code piece first.

    Finally got another lawyer to talk on the record.

    Night,

    Raissa

    Reply

  15. Terminate the Lease
    The Sultan of Sulu designate, of today, can consider terminating or unilaterally withdrawing or cancelling the Treaty arranged with “Gustavus Baron de Overbeck of Hong Kong and Alfred Dent Esquire of London as representatives of a British Company”. Was the ‘padjak’ transferable? (… Malaysian federation in 1963). Were the heirs consulted or given notice then of the transfer of ‘padjak’ rights to another new and independent nation?

    Whether the meaning of the Tausug ‘padjak’ is not synonymous or the same as “grant” or “cede” in English, a review of the treaty agreement must be studied as per in the original understanding agreed originally (original texts available?). Or a termination of Treaty agreement due to bad faith may be opted to start afresh since Sabah is no longer a British Territory where the Monarchy of Great Britain no longer exercises its authority over Sabah.

    “The said Gustavus Baron de Overbeck on behalf of himself and his Company further promises to assist his Highness the Sultan his heirs or successors with his best counsel and advice whenever His Highness may stand in need of the same.” = BRITISH NORTH BORNEO TREATIES. BRITISH NORTH BORNEO, 1878.

    Nationalize Sabah as Part of Philippine Territories
    Another avenue available which has dramatic implications on foreign relations with Malaysia is to Nationalize the Sabah Territory.

    Formally sell it to the Philippine gov’t by the Sultan of Sulu designate.

    Complexities of the Sabah issue
    Time has lapsed so long that the heirs should consider selling or relinquishing its rights or vested interests over that territory.

    Sell it to the Malaysian Gov’t or The Philippines. The heirs are not benefiting from the mineral resources nor are gainfully compensated in today’s economic terms. Obviously, the Sulu Sultan of 1878 was not provided the ‘best counsel and advice whenever His Highness may stand in need of the same’. Nor the heirs were consulted or given the opportunity to refuse or adhere to the transfer of original rights to another nation in 1963.

    —

    Discrepancies on Treaty Translations

    1. Grant by Sultan of Sulu of Territories and Lands, on the Mainland of the Island of Borneo dated 22nd January 1878

    2. Commission from Sultan of Sulu appointing Baron de Overbeck Datu Bandahara and Rajah of Sandakan dated 22nd January 1878

    Not really sure why the dates are not that consistent between docus in English translation. (Basahin at kumuha ng kopya ninyo bagu palitan o baguhin ang typo error nila) Compare the following from the above links –

    “Done at the Palace of the Sultan at Lipuk in the Island of Sulu on the nineteenth of Moharam A.H. 1295, being the 22nd day of January, A.D. 1978.”

    “Written in Lipuk in Sulu at the Palace of His Highness Mohamet Jamal Alam on the 19th Moharam A.H. 1295, answering to the 22nd January, A.D. 1878.”

    ANOTHER;

    “We Sri Paduka Maulana Al Sultan Mahomet Jamal Al Alam Bin Al Marhom Sri Paduka Al Sultan Mahomet Fathlon Sultan of Sulu”

    “WE Sri Paduka Maulana Al Sultan Mohamet Jamal Al Alam Bin Sri Paduka Al Marhom Al Sultan Mohamet Fathlon Sultan of Sulu”

    I maybe wrong, BUT If mistakes like these are in English form found in a Sabah gov’t site, people are dying and getting killed due to mistranslations

    I really hope the present heirs do have original manuscripts of the original Treaty agreement, whether in Tausug, English, TauEnglish or Pilipino. Rental receipts or ‘gifts’ are not enough.

    —

    Related comment.

    “Former Chief Minister Tan Sri Harris Salleh has proposed that the Malaysian Government permanently settle the long-standing issue raised by the Sultan of Sulu by way of a lump-sum compensation payment… “

    Reply

    • Consider this piece why it may need a UN – International Court of Justice to adjudicate the complex Sabah issue should the Sultan of Sulu can’t find an amicable resolution from or with between sovereign nations. But alas, it could prove futile due to the Sultan’s lack of resources for a long tedious claim.

      With Due Respect Understanding the Sabah dispute By Artemio V. Panganiban (21st Supreme Court Chief Justice of the Philippines) Philippine Daily Inquirer

      Reply

    • The surviving and legitimate heirs of the Sultan of Sulu (‘Treaty’ signatory) should consider a ‘Grand Reunion’ or Assembly to formalize their common tribal stance and formally elect or recognize their supreme elder or indigenous leader (Sultan).

      Reply

      • the sultanate can kiss the lump sump, there might not be any left. they have invaded malaysia and malaysians have been killed. if there is to be a ‘harris settlement’ it will be gobbled up by ways of compensations. those that were killed have to be compensated. since they were policemen, their families would demand higher compensation, higher still for special task officers. damages to properties also have to be paid.

        the sabahans will demand indemnities too. peace and order in their villages have been disrupted, their livelihood as well. trade had stopped, businesses have closed. their children cannot go to school. many villagers have fled. lahad datu is now ghost town. this armed invasion will cost the sultan more, a lot more.

        Reply

        • That’s true … @moonie.

          Lives have been lost and counting. An armed force repossession by a private army was a tragic mistake.

          But it is not yet too late, if PNoy taps to Allah’s wisdom and by ‘Good Will’ reaches out directly to the hold-out Filipinos in Sabah, and dialogues with the Malaysian PM to simmer down the recent tension.

          What Marcos’ ‘Oplan Merdeka’ plan to accomplish 45 years ago, the Royal Private Army tried to do it this year for the Sultanate of Sulu.

          See related comment #12.

          Reply

        • That’s true … @moonie

          Lives have been lost and counting. An armed force repossession by a private army was a tragic mistake.

          But it is not yet too late, if PNoy taps to Allah’s wisdom and by ‘Good Will’ reaches out directly to the hold-out Filipinos in Sabah, and dialogues with the Malaysian PM to simmer down the recent tension.

          What Marcos’ ‘Oplan Merdeka’ plan to accomplish 45 years ago, the Royal Private Army tried to do it this year for the Sultanate of Sulu.

          See related comment #12.

          Reply

          • heck, sorry about these inadvertent repeat (duplicate) entries. I got funny messages that I thought the first Submit was obliterated. :smile:

            Reply

  16. It is good to get a sense of the Sultan’s frustration from someone who is not calling for bloodletting to right the situation. Still, the timing is peculiar. Right as the Mindanao peace agreement is being finalized, a document that could unify Filipino Muslim and greater Philippine interests to make a strong case to pursue the Sabah matter formally. The difficulty, of course, is that Malaysia is unlikely to see things the same as either the Sultan or the Philippines, and so we have a loggerhead, much like the cross-claims between China and other states, with no court of ajudication having the power to enforce any finding. And I read a comment somewhere that the Sultan’s main interest is getting more value from the land. Like a bigger rent. So, if true, that makes the “homeland” appeal rather specious.

    So I suspect there needs to be a resolution, big money from Malaysia fundamentally, to buy out the Sultan’s claim. The size of the payment probably depends on how much of a protest the Philippines can make on his behalf. That’s why offending President Aquino and interfering with the peace process is not the wisest move by the Sultan.

    Thanks for the fresh perspective.

    Reply

      • The answer to that question is very simple: Jamalul Kiram III is a close ally of Nur Misuari. Nur Misuari was whining that Aquino did not involve him in the Bangsamoro peace negotiations. Just connect the dots.

        Reply

          • I heard from GMA news that Kiram was an adviser to then Pres. Gloria Arroyo on (Muslim and Royalty affairs, I think). He was close to the Arroyo administration that he also once ran under the Unity ticket of GLoria Arroyo for Senatorial elections. Nur Misuari on the other hand was very close to former National Security Adviser (GLoria’s time) Norberto Gonzales. This Norberto GOnzales was the same person summoned by the blue ribbon committee before, but was stopped by Arroyo from testifying due to issues of “National Security”. When Nur Misuari was arrested Norberto Gonzales supposedly brokered a deal that he be placed just under “house arrest” and later on the charges on Misuari was dropped.

            I guess its clear that this Kiram issue now is more political, than anything else. The senatorial elections are coming. And the government has just signed a peace treaty with the MILF. What do you thinK?

            Reply

      • @ raissa,

        WHY NOW?

        Dahil sa Election
        Dahil nagkasabwatan?
        Dahil nagpapansin ang mga tiwaling Pulitiko?
        Dahil sa mga pansariling pakinabang nang mga Sakim na PULITIKO?

        Saka si Nur Misuari hindi siya dapat magsalita na kampi sa mga suldado nang sultanate of Sulo gayong mali ang ginawa nilang pagpunta doon na may dalang mga ARMAS, Dahil ibig sabihin ay Lalaban hanggang kamatayan… dapat kasi idaan sa mahinahon at mapayapang paraan…

        Saka pinakiusapan na sila ni Pnoy na UMUWI pero nagmamatigas kaya ganyan ang nangyari tapos ngayon hihingi nang cease fire? Dapat panindigan ninyong mga suldado nang sultan of SULO ang mga binitiwan ninyong salita…Nakiusap na ang Presidente Noy pero sino kayo para hindi makinig kaya hayan ang napala ninyo…Mayroong pinadalang negosiyador/Emmisaryo si Pnoy pero hindi ninyo pinansin…kaya ganyan nangyari? gusto ninyo kayo ang masusunod pero hindi naman kayo sumusunod para mapag usapan ang problema? Mali ang paraan ninyong ginawa kaya kayo ang dapat SISIHIN mga KIRAM soldiers…SO WHY BLAME OTHERS ON YOUR OWN FAULTS???

        Reply

  17. Amina Rasul (daughter of Senator Santanina Rasul and Ambassador Rasul), in her commentary “The Sabah Standoff” dated February 24 posted in mindanewsdotcom gave the historical background from her perspective.

    Part of her commentary states: “All the principal heirs have died. As of today, there are probably a thousand heirs of the heirs. Dayang-Dayang Hadji Piandao Kiram, an only child, was childless. Therefore her cousins, nieces and nephews will divide her 3/8 share. Among her cousins was my grandmother, Hadja Salma, wife of Sen. Hadji Butu. Thus, my father, the late Ambassador Rasul, and his siblings and cousins are heirs. Misuari’s wives (Desdemona and Ruayda), are heirs. Jamalul III and Esmail are the children of Datu Punjungan.”

    She also gave her recommendations:
    1.The Sabah impasse needs to be resolved peacefully.
    2. The national government should encourage and assist the leading members of the Kirams and the datus of Sulu to come together and choose one Sultan.
    3. The Benigno Aquino administration should follow the initiative began by Presidents Corazon Aquino and Ramos to unite the Sabah heirs and pursue the peaceful and just resolution of the Sabah claim

    Reply

  18. my filipino friends were born in sabah and a couple of years ago I visited them. it is a beautiful place and I loved going about Kota Kinabalu. seeing how they have progressed and how the philippine islands are, I seriously doubt my friends would ever want to change their government from what it is now. the philippines should first take care of it’s own and settle our dispute with the Bangsamoro, a result of the Jabidah massacre (then president/soon dictator Marcos created Operation Merdeka to cause dissention in Sabah). the Tausugs and Sama muslims who were massacred yet need to be given justice. the MNLF dealt with fairly and justly. we should not be fighting a war that has questionable motives. the Sabah claim is all about greed, power, colonialism and OIL.

    Reply

    • This Sabah standoff, as you put it boils down to greed, power, oil and money. One thing I can not believe is that The Philippine government is siding with the Malaysian government and quick to comment that our Muslim brothers are at the wrong, give up arms and surrender without precondition. I believe that the Phil. government should have persuaded the two divide to stop shooting each other, lay down their arms. Then resolve the conflict peacefully. The Phil. government should stand firm side by side with every Filipinos anywhere in the world, be they commit any crime or disobedience.

      Reply

      • I am sure that all angles were discussed by the think tank of the President to persuade the two opposing parties to resolve the conflict peacefully. I also believe that the Malaysian government would like to end the standoff peacefully but not to the extent of cutting down their pride and at the same time avoiding to end the standoff by using ways and means that would end to the death of all those Sabah claimants which might be interpreted by the world as barbarous. The Philippine government has already ordered those who went to Sabah to surrender peacefully then start another negotiation where the claimants can bring out their stand and so with the other side. But they deliberately disregarded the order of the President. This shows that like the others, they would rather follow their own way for they do not recognize the authority of the President as a higher authority. The government should no longer interfere in that standoff but just observe on the way side then let them follow their own route. Why does the government stand with our people in other countries who are committing crimes. Let them suffer the consequences of their own wrongdoings.

        Reply

      • “The Phil. government should stand firm side by side with every Filipinos anywhere in the world, be they commit any crime or disobedience.”
        with due respect, that is immature.
        we are in a civilized generation now.
        it will be backward if we don’t act the norm.
        as i have read, pnoy said a resolution was on its offing right after the culmination of the peace accord with the bangsamoro. one at a time.
        patience must be with all of us.
        now, i think we are back to square one.

        Reply

        • Immature,my ass..the Malaysians are killing our brothers and they will continue to do so, people are dying…the Phil. government should protest in the strongest possible term to the Malaysians that Filipinos are not barbarians and their rights are supposed to be protected. They should let the Malaysians feel that the Phil. government will not sit idly while their countrymen rights are being trampled upon. We should stand firm and resolute..then, they will listen and the talk begins..If the Phil. government will not stand up for me, then who will?

          Reply

          • malaysians killed the arm invaders who came at night and occupy a village. the armed invaders are deploying guerilla tactics, they are skillled and trained in warfare daw and using any ruse to draw the malaysians in. no need for our government to get involve then. your people seems to be doing just fine. you started this war, you finish it. you went armed to malaysia without asking the blessing of our government, you have dug yourself into a hole, now get out there yourself.

            our government will help your brothers if they cooperate, come home and talk, and have dialog. your brothers refused to cooperate and stayed in malaysia, they’re too embarrassed to come home daw, and now, they’re killing malaysians.

            your brothers are not the only ones with rights. the people in sabah have rights too. and they dont want your brothers there. they were told to leave.

            Reply

            • @ moonie,

              Tama ka moonie, Dahil sa hindi pagsunod nang mga Kiram sa pakiusap nang ating Pangulong NoyNoy Aquino na umuwi at pag-usapan ang Hinaing at makapag balangkas nang SOLUTION ay marami ang namatay, nasugatan at nagdurusa lalo na ang mga ordinaryong sibilyan na namumuhay at nagtratrabaho nang tahimik…Dahil sa MALING PARAAN at KATIGASAN silang mga warriors nang sultanate of SULO din ang dapat SISIHIN kaya nangyari ito, himihingi nang tulong sa Gobyerno nang PILIPINAS pero hindi naman nakikinig at nagmatigasan pa? BAKIT? Dahil sa PERA at KAPANGYARIHAN ito ang nag udyok para sa PANSARILING KASAKIMAN…

              Reply

          • Standing side by side with our Muslim brother’s in all reasonable way’s YES , but NOT going to war with them against Malaysia ( Sabah ) by their own fault like arming themselves illegally which is a violations of the Revise Penal Code and Special Laws of the Philippines and much more when they went for a PICNIC re-union in Sabah ARMED , violating the sovereignty of an independent country whom majority of their TAUSUG’s brother living thereat VOTED on a 1863 referendum to be included and owed allegiance to the Federations of Malaya.

            Reply

          • If they went to Sabah to protest and assert their claims, without guns and intimidation, then they were killed mercilessly by the Malaysian police, then we as a country should be outraged. But no, they went there armed themselves with weapons. Instead of going home to find a peaceful means, they chose a road that only led to an armed hostility.

            Reply

      • @ Rigo,

        Lahat nang paraan ay ginawa na at pinakiusapan na silang umuwi ni Pnoy pero hindi sila nakinig kahit nakakahiya ang ginawa nang mga armadong tauhan ni KIRAM sa pag-akupa nang SABAH ay nakiusap pa rin ang Pamahalaan nang Malaysia pero handa daw silang mamatay kaya ganyan nangyari… Ngayon sino ang dapat sisihin? Sila din mismo na hindi nakinig?

        Reply

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