Lahad Datu attack may escalate into 'civil war'

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) warned that the use of force by Malaysia in Lahad Datu yesterday may escalate hostilities in Sabah and this may result in a civil war.

"I am afraid there will be a civil war in Sabah because thousands of Bangsamoro are residing in Sabah," said MNLF political chief Gapul Hajiru.

"It's only MNLF chairman Nur Misuari who could decide on the matter. Whatever his decision, we will follow. Our Tausug brothers and sisters of Sulu and the Samals in Tawi-Tawi were saddened and are hurting by the turn of the events," said Gapul.

According to thePhilippine Star, there are more than 8,500 Filipinos - mostly Tausugs (Sulu people) - in Sabah whom Gapul claims are potential supporters of the Sultanate of Sulu in which Malaysia has been paying an annual lease of RM5,300 for "their homeland".

The newspaper said police have also begun to beef up security around the Malaysian embassy in Manila.

Meanwhile Sulu sultan's daughter Jacel Kiram has lashed out at Malaysia for launching the attack even as negotiations to end the standoff were ongoing.

"The unprovoked assault on the Lahad Datu encampment was uncalled for. We suffered now 14 casualties - 10 dead and four wounded. Blood has flowed," she lamented.

"For the past two days, formal and informal talks have been initiated towards a peaceful settlement and disarmament has been discussed," she said. 

"Up to now, sniping continues. Do we want more bloodshed or do we want this bloodshed to stop? We pose this question to the Malaysian government."

She added that her uncle Azzimudie Kiram "decided to go to Lahad Datu with 234 men with the firm belief to settle there peacefully and to defend their right to live in their homeland."

"We appeal to the Malaysian government to please clarify: Are we engaging in a dialogue or is this an act of unilateral violence against the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo? 

"We appeal for sobriety. The sultan has ordered his brother to restrain but to be always ready to defend themselves," she added.

She said violence could have been averted had the Philippine government stuck to its commitment to pursue dialogue and ensure a peaceful end to the standoff.

Remains of dead commandos 

Bernama meanwhile reports that the remains of two police commandos who was killed in yesterday's gun battle with the group of armed intruders from southern Philippines, are expected to arrive in Kuala Lumpur at about 9am today.

Their bodies were earlier scheduled to arrive at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base in Subang late last night, Inspector-General of Police Secretariat (public relations) assistant head ACP Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf told the national news agency.

The two commandos killed were Inspector Zulkifli Mamat, 29, and Corporal Sabarudin Daud, 46. Both had served at the Hulu Kinta Police Commando Camp.

Zulkifli, from Kampung Kubang Ikan, Besut, Terengganu leaves his wife, Noraziah Noor and two sons, aged four and one year, while Sabarudin leaves wife, Nurunisa Abu Bakar, and two sons and a daughter. Sabarudin was from Sungai Besar, Sabak Bernam, Selangor. 

The three police commandos injured in the incident are Corporal Mohd Tarmizi Hashim, 32, Corporal Azman Ampong, 39, and Constable Mohamad Qaiyum'aiqal Zolkifli, 22.

Ramli said Mohd Tarmizi who was wounded in the hands and feet, and Azman, wounded in the thigh and buttocks, were being treated at Lahad Datu Hospital. 

Mohamad Qaiyum'aiqal who was injured in his right shoulder and both legs had been admitted to Sandakan Hospital, he added.