Paradox: Malaysia as mediator between gov’t and MILF

We can only hope that the gains achieved in the Mindanao peace process will not be wasted by the revival of the Sultanate of Sulu’s claim to Sabah.

The migration of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III’s followers to Lahad Datu was ill-timed. We believe Kiram has proprietary rights over  Sabah, but the “excursion” fueled not only armed confrontations between Malaysian troops and the sultan’s followers, it also stirred speculation that the sultanate was being left out in the talks between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government. The negotiations are now putting the finishing touches on the final and complete form of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

This apprehension, however, is not quite accurate as the initial public discussions on the FAB were in fact held on the island provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, with all the sectors invited to the town hall meetings.

If the sultanate had opted to isolate itself, then it has only its own leaders to blame. Nevertheless, it is unthinkable that the forum organizers will sideline them. On the other hand, the absence of Sultan Kiram and his subalterns has something to do with the fact that he is undergoing medical intervention in Manila, which required him to take up residence in the national capital.

What is odd about this Sabah imbroglio is that Malaysia is brokering peace between the Philippine government and the secessionist front. Odd because the superior military might of Malaysia is pummeling not only the ill-equipped ragtag forces of the sultanate but also—as we have been made to believe—helpless and unarmed Muslim migrants from Southern Philippines.  As if these were not enough, the cat is out of the bag: Malaysia trained and equipped the Moro National Liberation Front in its secessionist struggle!

The political dynamics haunting the Sabah claim is difficult to comprehend. Filipinos, mostly Muslims who consider Sabah their ancestral land, are systematically being flushed out from their homes. But as soon as they set foot on Sulu or Tawi-Tawi, they are arrested by Philippine authorities to face trial and possible incarceration.

Amid all these confusion and infamy is the affirmation that Malaysia will continue with its role as peace mediator between the MILF and the government. There lies the sublime paradox. And in our yearning for peace, we ask the penultimate question of the peace negotiation: At what price?

—RINA DE JESUS
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