Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari has blamed Malaysia for the Sipadan kidnappings in 2000.

Nur Misuari blames Malaysia for Sipadan kidnappings

THE STAR


A file picture of Nur Misuari (right) speaking to Philippine presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza on Sept 19 this year. – Reuters







PETALING JAYA: Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari has blamed Malaysia for the Sipadan kidnappings in 2000.

According to a report by the news portal Rappler, Misuari, 77, claimed that Malaysia was behind the kidnap-for-ransom activities in Sulu, singling out the 2000 Sipadan kidnappings that the Philippines had attributed to the Abu Sayyaf Group

"Malaysia is involved in this kidnapping for ransom. Probably one day, I will drag their leaders to the ICC. I have all the evidence in my hands," Misuari was quoted in a speech at Malacañang's Rizal Ceremonial Hall Thursday afternoon.

He also claimed that Malaysia hired his "own people" and "offered them millions".



Misuari was quoted during an event organised by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who had even let him use the presidential podium while delivering his "short talk".

Duterte held talks with Misuari immediately after a court suspended a warrant for the latter's arrest, in an effort to bolster his nationwide peace process.

Misuari, who founded the MNLF in 1969, has been in hiding since his forces allegedly launched attacks on civilians in the southern city of Zamboanga in 2013.

His rant comes a week before Duterte's planed visit to Malaysia.

Misuari is expected to join the peace process with the MNLF's rival group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Malaysia is a facilitator in the Bangsamoro peace deal which aims to find a peaceful solution to the decades long conflict in Mindanao.

Sabah Suluks regret Misuari’s allegation of Malaysian leader’s involvement in Sipadan kidnapping

 

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Suluk Solidarity Council (SSSC) regrets the allegation by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari (pic) that a Malaysian leader was involved in a kidnapping in Sipadan, Semporna in 2000.

Its secretary Mohd Zaki Harry Susanto said it was a very serious allegation and should not be taken lightly as it involves the good name of the country and the leader concerned.

“He (Misuari) should be responsible for the remark. The Malaysian Embassy in the Philippines with the aid of Manila, should reveal the identity of the Malaysian leader who was allegedly involved in the kidnapping.

“If the allegation is true, the government must take firm action against the traitor,” he told Bernama when commenting on media reports about Misuari’s allegation at a press conference after a meeting with the President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte.

In the recent press conference, Misuari said the decision to stop all communication and negotiation with Malaysia forever was due to a conspiracy involving a Malaysian, which destroyed his honour and integrity.

Mohd Zaki said Misuari’s decision to end communication and negotiation with Malaysia was due to extreme frustration and loss of confidence in Malaysia.

“This situation is a clear signal for our security forces, especially Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom), to double efforts to maintain security.

“We fear that the remarks will arouse hatred towards Malaysia and will heighten security threats against Sabah.” – Bernama