Thursday, 7 March 2013

A Deadly Claim


  Malaysia’s patience has been tested to the limit by the terrorists of the Sulu from the southern Philippines since Feb 9. There were a few hundreds of them who had intruded into Sabah via the sea route and set up their base in Lahad Datu. Then, they started  to claim Sabah as their motherland under the instruction of the so-called Sultan Jamalul Kiram III of Sulu. Perhaps once Sabah was part of your Sulu Empire but you must remember that it had ceased to exist and so you cannot claim something as yours due to your ancestors’ own doing. Even if you claim Malaysia still pays you some money as a token for the so-called lease of Sabah to the North Borneo Company which did not exist anymore after Malaya gained independence and when Malaysia was formed in 1963 including Sabah and Sarawak,  it does not mean that Sabah is part of your Sulu territory.
            Malaysia has been very kind to you especially so many of your countrymen find work in Sabah. We have never discriminated your people in Sabah and in fact, many have been given Malaysian citizenships. Many of your peoples come to settle in Sabah due to poverty in your own country. That, we understand and do not mind but not until your so-called Sulu army killed our policemen and brutally mutilated them. Do not think that we do not know the crimes that you have committed. All peace-loving Malaysians cannot accept that. Do you know that one of the policemen whom you killed come from Sarawak? Do you know how the family grieves over his passing due to your uncivilised claim? Where is the justice?  Does religion teach you to kill? Is it because of your greed? What do you think if I claim a garden of your house as mine based on the history of my forebears?
            Malaysia is a sovereign nation. It is also a member of the United Nations. Malaysia has also been too lenient with you. We have given you ample time for you to leave in peace and without bloodshed. Yet, you do not heed and now because of your recalcitrant stance,  you have to pay a heavy price for your deadly claim.
            Now, the Malaysian securities forces have started their military assault on your hideout. Your men have nowhere to hide. I think the best option is to lay down your weapons and surrender but please do not raise a white flag to ambush our soldiers. We have fallen for your trick once and not again. Better surrender unconditionally now before it is too late. Do not accuse my country of trying to overkill since you have asked for it. Please lay down your arms and return home to develop your Sulu in the Philippines.
            To the fallen heroes of Malaysia, we extend our condolences and sympathies. Your sacrifices for defending the sovereignty and security of the nation will be remembered forever. To those security forces who are still involved in the mopping-up operation of the Islamic militants in Sabah, we pray for your safety and your ability to complete the task efficiently.