KUALA LUMPUR, March 7 – Malaysia and the Philippines will seek the best approach on legal means to deal with the armed intruders in Sabah besides their leaders, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman(pic). He said aspects of extraditing the leader of the group who is now in the Philippines had been put forward to his Filipino counterpart.
“The group’s leader has made statements that have incited anger and hatred. Does the Philippines have laws to bring him to justice?
“If not, maybe we will ask the Philippines to hand him over to us,” he said on the “Soal Jawab” talkshow aired by TV3 tonight.
He was asked whether Malaysia would seek to extradite Jamalul Kiram III, who claims to the Sultan of Sulu, whose followers are currently holed up in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, Sabah and elsewhere in the state. Malaysian security forces have launched an operation to flush them out. So far eight Malaysian policemen and 13 of the intruders have been killed in firefights in the operation.
Noting that Malaysia does not have an extradition treaty with the Philippines, he said: “In the spirit of Asean, we can request for them to be brought here.
” He explained that any legal action taken will be based on what is right and good for Malaysia and the Philippines.
“Our options are open until we move to another level, make decision and hold discussions with the Philippines.”
Asked whether the intruders caught would be charged in Malaysia or sent home, he said: “This is subject to discussion. The President (Philippines) asked them to surrender and return home and the Philippine government pledged to take action in accordance with its laws.
“If our police arrest them, we can also use our laws. When it happens, I and the Philippine Foreign Secretary will discuss to find the best way.”
BERNAMA
