Yet another self-styled Sultan from Jolo

(Seated from left) Rajah Muda Agbimuddin Kiram, Sultan Jalul Kiram III, Sultan Bantilan Esmail Kiram II. (Standing from left) Datu Alianapia Kiram, Datu Phugdal Kiram and Datu Baduruddin Kiram

As a Sabahan, I have met several ‘Sulu Sultans’ who claimed that my state belonged to the sultanate.

“ASSALAMUALAIKUM, Philip,” said the self-styled Sultan of Sulu, Phugdalun Kiram II, in a telephone call from Jolo island, southern Philippines.