Malaysian security arrests Kiram relative in Tanduao, Sabah

Sultan of Sulu Jamalul Kiram III. AP FILE PHOTO

KORONADAL CITY, Philippines—Malaysian security forces have started their crackdown on the Filipino armed group that has occupied a part of Sabah, Malaysia, by arresting late Monday the nephew of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III in Sabah.

Abraham Idjirani, spokesperson of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, confirmed the arrest of Sahid Asaral Aswad in the village of Tanduao in Lahad Datu town.

“But he was not part of the team that arrived early this month. He was born there,” Idjirani said by phone.

“We are not certain what his violation is but it’s clear the Malaysian government has started its crackdown against supporters and relatives of Kiram,” he added.

“We have instructed our group there to remain calm. I just talked to their leader, Rajah Mudah Agbimuddin,” Idjirani said.

The heirs of the sultan of Sulu led by Agbimuddin, brother of Kiram III, and his 300 followers sailed to Sabah on February 12 to pursue their claim to the resource-rich state.