Ridhwan Claims Jamalul Kiram Not Real Descendant Of Sulu Sultanate

Al-Ehsan Islamiah charity foundation president Datuk Seri Muhammad Ridhwan Sulaiman, who was detained Monday under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 over possible links to the Lahad Datu intrusion by terrorists from southern Philippines, claims that Jamalul Kiram is not a
real descendant of the Sulu Sultanate.

He said Muedzul Lail Tan Kiram was the genuine Sultan of Sulu as Muedzul was the offspring of the last Sultan of Sulu recognised by the Philippine government.

Muhammad Ridhwan also admitted he gave aid to him (Muedzul)but declined to eloborate on it.

"Based on the recognition given by the Philippine government to the Sultan of Sulu,  my organisation provided financial assistance to Muedzul.

"I have been to Jolo Island in southern Philippines three times and based on posters with his face on every street corner and the reaction by the local community there, it clearly shows he (Muedzul) is the child of the last Sultan of Sulu.

"I brought a yellow book and cheque stubs as a proof of transaction to the police but I don't know who is Jamalul Kiram ," he told reporters before surrendering himself at the Ampang police station here, today.

Yesterday, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib had said Muhammad Ridhwan was high on the police's wanted list but was not involved with terrorists who intruded into eastern Sabah.

However, he said Muhammad Ridhwan could assist investigations in connection with Ops Daulat (security offensive against the terrorists).

Muhammad Ridhwan (right)said on his first encounter with Muedzul he was informed by him (Muedzul) that the descendants of the Sulu Sultanate could not claim Sabah from Malaysia and was shown several letters and documentation to the effect.

When asked on the Sabah lease agreement which will expire in 2015 and that the intruders wanted to renew the agreement, as alleged by some quarters, he stressed: "It is not true, the then Sultan of Sulu did not create any agreement and no time frame was given on the lease agreement."

"The Sulu Sultan back then (believed to be in the 1800s), handed over Sabah to the British for development," he said.

-- BERNAMA