'This is do or die,' say Lahad Datu intruders

Despite the deadline given by Malaysian authorities to the Filipino intruders in Lahad Datu for them to leave ending yesterday, Sulu sultan Jamalul Kiram’s brother Agbimuddin Kiram, who is leading the armed group, was adamant to stay to pursue their claim on Sabah.

“This is do or die,” Agbimuddin told Philippines radio station Radyo Inquirer  990 AM this morning.

“I believe we are right (and) this place belongs to us. We will stay,” he added.

Although Manila had sent a vessel last night to bring the group home, Agbimuddin insisted that the sultanate’s ‘Royal Security Force’ would not leave Tanduao village in Lahad Datu “until the issue is resolved.”

The ship is scheduled to reach the offshore area of Lahad Datu by today.

The Filipinos have been holed up in a small coastal area of Lahad Datu district, where they have remained surrounded by security forces since Feb 12 as they pursue their claim to settle in the state, which used to be a part of the Sultanate of Sulu.

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Anifah Aman was reported as saying that the standoff in Lahad Datu must end yesterday, despite the Philippine government’s request for a deadline extension after an earlier deadline expired on Feb 22.

[More to follow]