Muslims in Sulu, the seat of power of the Sultanate of Sulu and Borneo, have assailed Sabah for attacking the credibility of the eight descendants of the last sultan of the province who secured a disputed arbitration award against Malaysia last year.

“Kami ang tunay na may-ari ng Sabah. Sa amin ang Sabah at ang mga tunay na tagapagmana ng sultan of Sulu ang may karapatan na kunin o bawiin ang para sa aming mga Tausug. Inangkin lamang ng Malaysia ang Sabah mula sa amin. Hindi na maipagkakaila ang nakaraan (We are the rightful owners of Sabah. It belongs to us and the legitimate heirs of the sultan of Sulu are just claiming what belongs to us Tausugs. Malaysia just grabbed Sabah from us. Our historical rights cannot be denied),” said Abdullah Abubakar, reacting to the banner story of The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper titled, “Malaysia attacks credibility of Sulu sultan heirs” (April 24-30, 2023 issue).

Abubakar claimed many Tausugs are backing the eight descendants of Sultan Jamalul Kiram 2nd who have been identified by Malaysia as Sultan Muhammad Fuad A. Kiram 1st, Nurhima Kiram Fornan, Sheramar Kiram, Permaisuli Kiram-Guerzon, Taj-Mahal Kiram-Tarsum Nuqui, Ahmad Nazard Kiram Sampang, Jenny KA Sampang and Widz-Raunda Kiram Sampang.

In February 2022, the descendants of Sultan Jamalul Kiram 2nd received an award of $14.9 billion from the government of Malaysia. Over 16 percent of Malaysia’s yearly budget is now at stake. Malaysia flatly rejected the award and said it does not recognize its legitimacy and is litigating across Europe to ensure that the award is overturned.

The claimants had previously filed legal action through the Spanish Court to seek compensation for land in Sabah which they claim was leased by their ancestors to a British trading company in 1878. Malaysia has been paying the lease since taking Sabah in 1963.

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