[UPDATED] Authorities investigating claims on Sulu heirs recruiting Sabahans

KOTA KINABALU – Authorities in Sabah are investigating claims into the alleged recruitment of locals to support the heirs of the defunct Sulu sultanate, as well as the issuance of related identity cards.

The Star quoted Eastern Sabah Security Command commander Datuk Hamzah Ahmad as saying that a probe has been launched after a police report was filed in Lahad Datu.

However, he did not elaborate on the investigation being carried out following the report by a local non-governmental organisation.

“All I can say is that we are investigating, and that there has been a report lodged in Lahad Datu,” he told the daily.

Yesterday, the Malaysia Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) lodged several police reports in the state over the alleged issuance of self-identification cards, birth certificates, and a letter containing a pledge of loyalty to the Sulu sultanate that was given to Malaysians.

MHO claimed it received the “documents” through WhatsApp.  

However, other Sabah authorities remain tight-lipped over the claims.

The Vibes has reached out to the Sabah police commissioner and the Sabah National Registration Office but did not receive any response.  

Sabah MHO coordinator Jerry Jaimeh told The Vibes that MHO volunteers had received several pictures via WhatsApp last Monday (July 25), which suggested that efforts were made to recruit the Sabahans as supporters of the former sultanate, especially in Lahad Datu. 

From the photos acquired from Jerry, the self-identification cards can be seen bearing the words “Sooloo (Sulu) Sultanate Darul Islam Nation” on the top side, and even carrying the logo of the United Nations. 

The group also received a picture, showing a letter written in the Tausug language, which pledges allegiance to the Sulu sultanate.  

Another image obtained showed an application form for birth certificates.  

Jerry said MHO lodged the police report in hopes that immediate action would be taken, as it is a serious threat to the sovereignty and security of the country.  

He also urged the public to contact MHO and police if they have information regarding the case, as it is an offence under Section 121 of the Penal Code.  

“As Sabahans, we must defend our place of birth, our home. We must do all we can to avoid the tragedy in 2013 (Lahad Datu intrusion) from repeating. We hope the government and the authorities will take this issue seriously,” he said.  

He added that the public members could contact MHO via its hotline at 011 2905 0000.

Likely an individual’s work?

Meanwhile, Sabah police commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah assured that police are seriously treating claims that the heirs of the Sulu sultanate are actively recruiting locals in Lahad Datu. 

However, he said that based on investigations done, such a recruitment drive may not exist.

Noting that the group allegedly only recruits ethnic Suluk people, he added that the issuance of the identity card could be the work of an individual. 

“Investigation and intelligence gathering done by the police on the group recruiting Filipinos from people of Suluk descent is non-existent. 

“But we are investigating the claim that a group issuing identity cards named the SSDI and charging a certain amount for it. 

“We believe it is the work of an individual who is trying to make a quick profit,” he said in a statement here today. 

Towards this end, Idris called on the public not to spread disinformation which can cause public concern. – The Vibes, July 28, 2022