'Sultan of Sulu' died a pauper

Jacel Kiram, who was the deceased's eldest child, told a television news station in Manila that her father did not have anything when he died on Oct 20.

"My father died a pauper. Being a sultan is not an easy task. I'm proud of my ancestry but we live a normal life," she told ANC Beyond Politics on Tuesday.

According to reports, Jamalul, who died at the Philippine Heart Center, depended on handouts from friends and families, and donations from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office for his livelihood.

He died due to kidney problems.

Jamalul's followers had invaded the Sabah marine and Lahad Datu villages in February before clashing with local security forces after the country refused to obey his calls to surrender.

"My father lost his enthusiasm after being told he will be prosecuted," said Jacel.

She described all the conflicts in the south were related to the Sulu sultanate's claims over Sabah.

Jacel said the claims, however, did not get any support from the Philippines government.

Sultanate of Sulu spokesman, Abraham Idjirani said Jamalul's brother, Esmail Kiram II, had been declared as the new sultan on Oct 21.

She said, before his death, her father had ordered Esmail to pursue their claim on Sabah.

"My father had forgave Esmail for declaring himself as the sultan back in 2001."

She reiterated her call on wanting the Philippines government to support their fight for Sabah.

"The government should support our claim over Sabah. As promised to my father, I would not ignore the heirs of the sultanate," said Jacel.

Meanwhile, Idjirani said Esmail would need to obey Jamalul's will to claim Sabah "by negotiation and reunification."

On Feb 9, a group of intruders had entered Sabah's marine in boats and gradually gathered in Felda Sahabat 17, Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu.

On March 5, Malaysian security forces launched attacks on Kampung Tanduo. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced that the attack was "to protect the dignity and sovereignty of the country."

The operation was called Ops Daulat.

Ten security force members perished during the battle in Lahad Datu and Semporna.

Thirty-one individuals were subsequently taken to court over the violations in Lahad Datu, including a policeman, Corporal Ali Hassan Basri.

A total of 63 terrorists were defeated.