KL, Manila Consider Sulu Intruders As Terrorists

Malaysia considers the armed Sulu intruders who killed eight Malaysian security personnel in Lahad Datu and Semporna, Sabah, as terrorists, and this was shared by Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert F. Del Rosario.

"Secretary Rosario agreed that this group should be labelled as terrorists," Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said in a statement Tuesday.

Both of them met in the Malaysian capital last night to discuss developments taking place in both Sabahan towns.

"We appreciate the stance by the Philippine government and President Benigno Aquino in calling upon the Sulu group to surrender and return to their families and homes in the Philippines.

"The group chose to not only ignore, but dismiss those calls," the Malaysian minister noted.

On Manila's intention that members of the group be charged in the Philippines, Anifah said Malaysia needed clarification on the law that they would be charged with, and for the law to be studied by Malaysia's attorney-general.

"Secretary Rosario guaranteed that the Philippine government will charge the Sulu group involved in Lahad Datu and Semporna to the fullest extent of the law in the Philippines.

"I also emphasised that action needed to be taken against Jamalul Kiram for his many statements inciting hatred and violence," the minister said in reference to the self-proclaimed 'Sultan of Sulu'.

Anifah said Rosario informed him that the Philippine government deplored the action of the intruders.

"He conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen security personnel and the Malaysian public," he added.