NAJIB: No ceasefire! Lay down arms and surrender unconditionally;
Security base with 5 Battalions to be set up in Lahad Datu; Rejected – a J Kiram III call for ceasefire in Sahabat; UN sec-gen urges peaceful end to Sabah situation; Polls can be deferred in some areas
By The Borneo Insider Team
Najib meeting up with soldiers who had waited for his arrival Thursday. – All Borneo Insider Photos by Gordon Maliau
FELDA SAHABAT, LAHAD DATU: Malaysian security forces killed 31 Sulu intruders Thursday including their ‘general’ in a fire-fight in Tanjung Batu, said inspector-general of police Ismail Omar.
“Of the 31, we believe we have also killed their leader who is ranked ‘general’,” he told a press conference in Sahabat Felda.
“We received reports from the ground commander confirming that 31 enemies have been shot and believed killed…
Malaysian troops waiting for order to be sent to the front line.
There are no reports of casualties for Malaysian security forces, though sources said some suffered minor injuries and were treated by medics.
Furthermore, he said security forces also killed another intruder this morning in Kampung Tanduo, bringing the total to 32 Sulu casualties since 3pm yesterday.
The total enemy casualties since the first gun battle last Saturday stood at 52. Thus far, the Malaysian side suffered eight casualties.
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak declared Thursday that Sabah will remain part of the Federation of Malaysia “forever” and the country will do whatever necessary to keep it that way.
“No one should underestimate Malaysia’s resolve to uphold the principle that Sabah is part of Malaysia forever and (this) cannot be questioned by anyone, be it from within or outside the country.
“We will defend this principle, fact and reality with absoluteness and the entire strength we have,” Najib told a press conference at Felda Sahabat Residence in Sabah.
Najib at the Thursday Press Conference. With his is Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Musa Haji Aman and federal cabinet ministers.
Flanked by Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman and several federal ministers including Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Joseph P Maximus Ongkili, Bernard Dompok, Shafie Apdal, Anifah Aman and Jamil Khir Baharom, Najib was earlier briefed on the on-going “Ops Daulat” against the Filipino intruders.
The prime minister said the dispute over Sabah should not arise as agreements dating back to 1878 proved the state to be a legal territory of Malaysia.
He also announced at the press conference measures to improve the long-term security for the east coast of Sabah with the creation of a ‘Special Security Area’.
Despite the tension and anxiety, Najib had the time for his 1Malaysian call sign with the soldiers.
To cover the area from Kudat to Tawau, with Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kunak and Semporna in between, the Special Security Area will see a boost in security forces guarding the area permanently.
Earlier Thursday, Najib rejected a ceasefire call by Sultan Jamalul Kiram III of Sulu whose Islamic fighters launched a deadly incursion into Sabah.
Malaysian forces are currently hunting for the Islamic militants in a remote region of Borneo island where they landed last month to assert a long-dormant territorial claim in what has become Malaysia’s worst security crisis in years.
Kiram called for ceasefire at midday in Manila but Prime Minister Najib Razak, who flew to the region Thursday to inspect security operations, said he told President Benigno Aquino by phone the offer was rejected.
These troops know that prayer is the only thing they can do before entering combat zone.
Meanwhile United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging an end to the violence in Sabah and encouraging dialogue among all the parties for a peaceful resolution of the situation.
”The Secretary-General expresses concern about the impact this situation may have on the civilian population, including migrants in the region.
“He urges all parties to facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance and act in full respect of international human rights norms and standards,” his spokesman said in a statement on the UN website.
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Sabah, Malaysia
“The Secretary-General is closely following the situation in Sabah, Malaysia. He urges an end to the violence and encourages dialogue among all the parties for a peaceful resolution of the situation.
“The Secretary-General expresses concern about the impact this situation may have on the civilian population, including migrants in the region. He urges all parties to facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance and act in full respect of international human rights norms and standards.”
The Borneo Insider can also report that early this morning, there was renewed shooting between Malaysian security forces and the Sulu raiders Thursday morning. Several fighter jets were seen flying over Felda Sahabat at about 8:35am.
The aircraft were believed to have been heading toward the direction of Kampung Tanduo and Kampung Tanjung Batu where Sulu gunmen have been involved in firefights with Malaysian security forces.
Borneo Insider has been told that at least two armoured personnel carriers (APCs) have moved in at Tanjung Batu and has been firing heavily at selected targets.
At 9:32AM, two fighter jets screamed overhead Lahad Datu and was seen heading in the direction of Tawau.
Claims innocent villagers had been massacred by security;
PM Najib in Sabah to visit Tanduo to see for himself;
UN sec-gen urges peaceful end to Sabah situation;
Malaysian soldiers join an assault near the area where a stand-off with Filipino gunmen took place, at Tanduo village, in this Tuesday, March 5, 2013 photo released by Malaysia’s Ministry of Defense, in Lahad Datu.
FELDA SAHABAT, LAHAD DATU: The Sultanate of Sulu on Thursday declared a unilateral ceasefire on the hostilities in Sabah where its followers are engaged in a standoff with the Malaysian security forces.
In a statement read by the Sultan spokesman Abraham Idjirani, Jamalul Kiram III (picture) said his decision was made after the statement of United Nations secretary general Ban Ki Moon, urging an end to the violence in Sabah.
“The Sultan is calling for a unilateral ceasefire of the Sultanate of Sulu effective this hour, 12: 30, in order to reciprocate the call of the United Nations to preserve lives.
“His Royal Highness, Sultan Jamalul Kiram III called his brother to initiate evasive and defensive posture.
This is not only to his brother but including to those who volunteered and sacrificed their lives for the cause of Sultanate of Sulu,” Idjirani quoted the Sultan’s statement.
“We hope Malaysia reciprocates the same call for a ceasefire,” he added, as reported in PhilStar online.
Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak on arrival at Felda Sahabat Thursday afternoon to see for himself the situation at Tanduo and other affected villages nearby.
But the Philippine Daily Inquirer suggested that the call for the unilateral ceasefire was in view of the reported massacre committed by the Malaysian authorit[ies] against 40 innocent civilians in Lahad Datu yesterday (Wednesday), according to Idjirani.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has arrived in Sabah to see the situation at ground zero for himself, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein Thursday.
At a joint conference with Defence Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi, he said that Najib had been in close and constant contact, so far.
Najib is expected to hold a press conference at Felda Sahabat once he arrives, according to an update in The Star.
Najib Tun Razak will be getting an up close look at the ongoing operations against a group of Sulu gunmen at Kampung Tanduo and Kampung Tanjung Batu.
The Prime Minister will be visiting the Felda Sahabat area in the two remote coastal seaside villages where the offensive against about 150 Sulu gunmen has entered its third day.
Zahid Hamidi said Najib’s visit was bound to boost the morale of police and military personnel involved in the offensive dubbed Ops Daulat.
Manilla may extradite Sulu Sultan to face criminal charges in M’sia, but he’ll likely face charges in Phillipines first, says Justice Secretary. More to come.
”The Prime Minister wants to see the progress of our operations and the logistics and support for the troops,” he said.
He noted that Najib had served as Defence Minister for 14 years and during that time had visited Malaysian peacekeeping missions in the frontlines at Bosnia, Timor Leste and Southern Lebanon.
Meanwhile United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is urging an end to the violence in Sabah and encouraging dialogue among all the parties for a peaceful resolution of the situation.
”The Secretary-General expresses concern about the impact this situation may have on the civilian population, including migrants in the region.
“He urges all parties to facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance and act in full respect of international human rights norms and standards,” his spokesman said in a statement on the UN website.
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Sabah, Malaysia
“The Secretary-General is closely following the situation in Sabah, Malaysia. He urges an end to the violence and encourages dialogue among all the parties for a peaceful resolution of the situation.
“The Secretary-General expresses concern about the impact this situation may have on the civilian population, including migrants in the region. He urges all parties to facilitate delivery of humanitarian assistance and act in full respect of international human rights norms and standards.”
The Borneo Insider can also report that early this morning, there was renewed shooting between Malaysian security forces and the Sulu raiders Thursday morning. Several fighter jets were seen flying over Felda Sahabat at about 8:35am.
The aircraft were believed to have been heading toward the direction of Kampung Tanduo and Kampung Tanjung Batu where Sulu gunmen have been involved in firefights with Malaysian security forces.
Borneo Insider has been told that at least two armoured personnel carriers (APCs) have moved in at Tanjung Batu and has been firing heavily at selected targets.
At 9:32AM, two fighter jets screamed overhead Lahad Datu and was seen heading in the direction of Tawau.
There has been a flurry of activity with Nuri choppers taking off from Lahad Datu and headed for Felda Sahabat, most likely ferrying fresh troops.
The situation in Lahad Datu remains calm with almost all the shops open and people going about their daily routine.
Schools however, remained closed. In Semporna a source claimed hearing gunshots at about 11pm Wednesday, but this was not confirmed by the police.
More to come: -
13 bodies of Tanduo raiders recovered, mop-up exercise on-going; fighting in Labian; Four arrests in Semporna; one intruder killed in Labian; Lok Kawi camp fired at; Abjimuddin said to have escaped and very alive
By THE BORNEO INSIDER TEAM
A Malaysian army helicopter flies in Cenderawasih near the area where the stand-off with Filipino gunmen and Malaysian security forces was taking place in Tanduo village on Tuesday. Malaysian security forces launched an assault on supporters of the Sultanate of Sulu engaged in a three-week incursion that has left 27 people dead.
TANDUO, FELDA SAHABAT, LAHAD DATU: Relatives of the Sulu Sultan’s family are said to be among dozens of people who have been hauled up by the police over the last two weeks on suspicion that they are sympathisers of the so called Sulu Royal Army.
Among those hauled up for questioning and interrogation is the son of Rajah Mudah Abjimuddin Kiram, the leader of the Sulu Raiders who held security forces to a three-week stand-off at Tanduo, before fleeing to safer ground.
Others include the information chief of a local political party as well as uniformed personnel – though earlier the IGP had denied that security people had been detained for allegedly providing the “other side” with classified information.
Police remain tight-lipped about the arrests but at least four men have been transferred to police headquarters in Kepayan to be interrogated.
The photo of a policeman was also posted by unidentified sources on Facebook, branding him a traitor.
On Tuesday night, villagers near Kembarabudi in Felda Sahabat area said police also detained eight people in a blue van as they were driving out of the Tanjung Labian area which was about 5kms away along the coastline to Tanduo village which was bombed earlier in the day.
The villagers claimed that among those detained could be a son of Abjimuddin, and a woman who could also be related to the Kirams.
Residents leave their village in Tanjung Labian near Tanduo, where Malaysian forces launched an assault on Filipino gunmen, bombing the village followed by a ground assault by troops.
Tanduo villagers, who fled upon the first landing of the Sulu group on Feb 9, have said that Abjimuddin and his top lieutenant known as “Musa’’ a former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander, were related to local village leaders through marriage.
Abjimuddin, a soft-spoken person was also once the former assistant district officer of Kudat in the early 1970s – though he used a different name then – and his family has a long list of relatives living mainly in Lahad Datu, Semporna and Sandakan
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told reporters that at least 13 Sulu raiders were killed in Tuesday’s offensive in Kampung Tanduo, and they believe the tally could be very much higher than that – the unofficial figure being 50.
He told reporters that the mop-up team found the bodies along with weapons when they went into the area Wednesday.
“We believe more have been killed. The mop up operation is still going on,” he said.
“No security personnel were injured in the operation,” the defence minister added.
A convoy of Malaysian military vehicles travel in Felda Sahabat on Wednesday, near the village of Tanduo where Malaysia launched an assault against armed Filipino invaders.
Another raider was said to have been killed Wednesday morning, when ground troops were fired upon in an ambush as they entered Tanduo to “clean up” the area, flattened by Tuesday’s aerial and artillery bombing.
More than 24 hours after the assault codenamed “Operation Sovereign” was launched, Malaysia’s national police chief Ismail Omar said the main encounter was an exchange of gunfire in the hilly coastal district that’s thick with foliage slightly after dawn on Wednesday.
Hoever, Wednesday afternoon, fresh shooting between Malaysian security forces and the gunmen of the Sultan of Sulu has erupted in at least two places – Tanduo where Malaysian air force pounded the hide-out from the air and ground on Tuesday – and near Labian, where the men from Tanduo are said to have escaped to.
According to unconfirmed reports reaching The Borneo Insider, they saw armoured personnel carriers (APCs) heading towards Labian (where Tg Batu is also located) shortly after lunch and after two hours, explosions were heard.
The latest will be confirmed when the police give their usual Press conference later Wednesday.
Malaysian armed policemen man a security check point in Cenderawasih in Borneo near Tanduo village, the area where an armed confrontation with supporters of the Sultanate of Sulu happened on March 1. A fresh clash broke in Semporna, another town 300 kilometers away, on Sunday.
However IN SEMPORNA, police arrested four men believed to be linked to the armed intruders involved in the ambush in Kampung Sri Jaya, Simunul here last Saturday.
The four men, aged between 20 and 50 years, were arrested in a special operation mounted by a team of policemen from Sabah Police Special Investigation Department.
Last Saturday, six police personnel were killed in an ambush by the armed intruders in Kampung Sri Jaya, Simunul here.
Unconfirmed reports reaching the Borneo Insider say that “some men drove past the Lok Kawi Fifth Brigade camp in Lok Kawi on Tuesday night and fired several shots in the air”.
This caused the army to immediately go into a lock-down mode with soldiers taking on a defensive position at several strategic areas within the camp’s parameters.
Families of soldiers staying outside the camp were ordered to return to the camp.
Similar incidents were also reported to have occurred at the TLDM base in Semporna as well as the police station in Kinabatangan. However police when contacted, have denied anything unusual had happened.
More to come: -
FELDA SAHABAT, LAHAD DATU: A Sulu gunman is believed to have been shot dead in an encounter with security forces in Kg Tanduo on Wednesday.
“At 6.45am, there were shots fired at our security forces and we returned fire and one of the enemies was shot.
“We believed he is killed,” Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar told reporters at a briefing of the ground situation in a four square kilometre area of Kg Tanduo here on Wednesday.
He said the intruders have been moving from place to place to avoid being detected and the police were monitoring their whereabouts.
He said the mopping-up exercise to flush out the intruders had been extended to a wider area after “enemy movement is detected.”
More to come:
