Why S'wak deported the Suluk illegals fast

Kuching: KUCHING: Sarawak's decision to expel groups of Filipino Suluks from the state is linked to MNLF (Moro Natural Liberation Front) leader Nur Misuari expanding the so-called Philippine claim on Sabah to also include Sarawak.The 800-odd illegal immigrants who were increasing their presence in Miri after coming via Sabah, caught the attention of chief Minister Tan sri Adenan Satem, who said did not want Sarawak to become another Sabah.

Sarawak sensitivities have also been heightened by the recent beheading in Sulu of Sarawakian Bernard Then Ted Fen, who was earlier kidnapped while holidaying in Sandakan Sabah.

There are clear and quite solid reasons to be seriously concerned about what is happening in Sulu on national security grounds.

"Troubles in Sulu may appear rather distant from Sarawak. Then's death, however unfortunate and regrettable, may be pertinent only as far as Sarawak is concerned given that he was kidnapped in Sabah.

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Sabah revenue hits RM6.97 billion: Hajiji says GRS State Government may see full term

Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government continued its momentum in managing the economy in line with the commitment and spirit of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) when it posted record high state revenue of RM6.973 billion last year.

But the threats posed to Sarawak by various security-related elements in southern Philippines should not be taken lightly."

said John Teo, a columnist for Focus Malaysia.

The disgraced former governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Misuari, had in recent years expanded the claim of his fellow Sulu tribespeople to Sabah to also include Sarawak.

Speculation is that he may think he has a better chance of strengthening this claim by encouraging more of his people to occupy Sabah and Sarawak.

Misuari has reason to hold a grudge against Malaysia. After a disastrous stint as the first Governor of ARMM, he was back to his old self, creating political mischief and intrigues before fleeing to Sabah in the early 2000's to escape Philippine justice, fully expecting Malaysia to provide him a safe haven. Instead, then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir handed him over to pursuing Philippine Navy at sea.

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Malaysia, an early backer of ARMM, was already working with then Philippine President Gloria Arroyo to launch a new peace track for Mindanao.

Misuari is mostly regarded as a spent political force with the Moro National Liberation Front he once led, now split into three factions and further weakened by the mainland Mindanao-based Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MLF).

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