Lahad Datu: Nur Misuari told not to take advantage of Sabah situation

KUCHING: Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Richard Riot cautioned former Moro National Liberation Front leader Nur Misuari not to take advantage of the Lahad Datu episode to advance his agenda.

In refuting Misuari's claim that Sabah rightfully belonged to the so-called Sultan of Sulu, Riot said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had made it categorically clear that the state was part of Malaysia and no one should question its sovereignty and territorial integrity as a legitimate part of Malaysian territory.

"My advice to Misuari is that he support efforts towards the peace agreement within the framework that was signed recently between the Philippines government and Bangsamoro for long-lasting peace in Mindanao," he told a media conference here on Wednesday.

Riot said the promotion of peace was one of the pillars of Malaysia's foreign policy and that the country would vehemently protect and defend every inch of Sabah against foreign aggression and any hostile action.

"Turmoil and instability in Southern Philippines brought no advantage to anyone and burdened Malaysia and other neighbouring countries," Riot said.

For that reason, he said, Malaysia had been actively involved in peace keeping missions all over the world and was willing to broker peace efforts. - Bernama