Wednesday March 6, 2013

Manila and KL: Sulu armed invaders are terrorists

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian and Philippine governments have both branded the Sulu armed invaders involved in the clash in Sabah as terrorists.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said this was considered following the atrocities committed in the killing of Malaysian security personnel two in Lahad Datu and six in Semporna.

“Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario agreed that the group be labelled terrorists,” he said in a joint statement after meeting with his Philippine counterpart on Monday night.

Anifah said Malaysia needed clarification over the law that these terrorists would be charged in the Philippines and for it to be studied by Malaysia's Attorney-General.

“I also emphasised that action should be taken against Jamalul Kiram III for his many statements that incited hatred and violence.

“The matter discussed is still subject to final approval between the two of us,” he said.

Anifah said Rosario informed him that the Philippine Government deplored the action of the intruders.

“He conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen security personnel and the Malaysian public.

“Rosario has guaranteed that the Philippine Government will charge the Sulu group to the fullest extent of the law in the Philippines,” he added.

Anifah said the Malaysian Government appreciated the stance taken by the Philippine Government and President Benigno Aquino in calling upon the Sulu group to surrender and return to their families and homes in the Philippines.

“The group chose to not only ignore, but dismissed those calls,” he said in the statement.

“We also tried our best to persuade them to leave,” he added. “We had offered a peaceful solution without bloodshed. We extended the deadline several times. Unfortunately, the group chose to attack and kill our security personnel.”

News

Wednesday March 6, 2013

Manila and KL: Sulu armed invaders are terrorists