'Ceasefire a lie, troops still being shot at'

The recent ceasefire declaration by the Kiram clan is not true as the militant followers of the Sulu ‘sultanate in Sabah are still firing upon Malaysian security forces.

State police chief commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said this today at a press conference in Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu, accusing the intruders of lying about the much-publicised ceasefire offer.

“Clearly we can see what is being said on the other side is not true. If they wanted a ceasefire (how can they) still shoot at our security forces,” he said.

The situation at Lahad Datu has slowly improved, he said, with students resuming school tomorrow.

He also stressed that the public should not believe the various rumours surrounding the situation there.

On Thursday, the Sulu ‘sultanate’ called today for a ceasefire, promising that its followers will lay down arms and take on a defensive stance if Malaysia’s security forces agree to do the same.

However, Malaysia responded that the country will only consider an “unconditional surrender” by the armed intruders.

A ceasefire refers to a temporary cessation of hostilities for an agreed limited time or within a limited area. In other words, it happens when fighting ends with no one surrendering.

In contrast, an unconditional surrender is when one side surrender without conditions.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had wrote: “Do not believe the offer for a ceasefire by Jamalul Kiram in the interest of the rakyat of Sabah and Malaysia, (we must) wipe out all militants first.”

The violence which erupted following the incursion by the armed followers of ‘Sultan’ Jamalul Kiram III landed in Lahad Datu has resulted in over 60 deaths.

Security forces have arrested over 100 suspects believed to be linked to the intruders.