THE DEADLY COUPLE FOR DEADLY JOBS?

ANSWER.....Hadja Celia Kiram (left) the wife of former Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram III answers questions during a news conference inside their residence at Maharlika village.

By : JAIME LAUDE

SHE accused Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II of speaking for Malaysia.

“I don’t know if he is the spokesperson or is he speaking in behalf of Malaysia. Where is his patriotism as Filipino? Filipinos had been hurt, but why defend the enemy?” she said.

“It is sad to say that you are saying that the military of Malaysia is so patient. Instead of defending our people who are willing to sacrifice for the historical truth, to tell the world that we have been belittled, to tell the world that our people in Sabah are being deported inhumanely and yet he is speaking for Malaysia – that Malaysia is so patient, so patient, according to his statement,” Fatima said.

“He is defending Malaysia instead of his co-Filipinos. He is an anti-Muslim,” she added.

“The Filipinos in Sabah are feeling the same thing. If we can only swim to Sabah we will go there to defend it, even if we have to die in the process,” she said.

For the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Malaysia’s use of force would result in the escalation of hostilities in Sabah or possibly civil war.

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

“It’s only MNLF Chairman Nur (Misuari) who could decide on the matter. Whatever his decision, we will follow,” Hajirul said. “Our Tausug brothers and sisters of Sulu and the Samals in Tawi-Tawi were saddened and are hurting by the turn of the events.”

More than 8,500 Filipinos, mostly Tausugs, are residing in Sabah and are potential supporters of the Sultanate of Sulu. Malaysia is paying the Sultanate of Sulu 5,300 ringgit annually as lease.

Meanwhile, the Makati City Police yesterday beefed up its presence around the Malaysian embassy on Tordesillas St. in Salcedo Village. (The Philippine Star)