Malaysia lets foreign media cover Sabah ops, says Kiram followers starving

From GMA News (Mar 16): Malaysia lets foreign media cover Sabah ops, says Kiram followers starving

Even as they claimed followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III in Sabah are starving, Malaysian authorities are allowing foreign media to cover the ongoing operations of security forces in the area, a Malaysian news site reported Saturday.

A report on the New Straits Times quoted Malaysian defense minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as saying Kiram's followers who are "still holed up in Sabah are starving" and that "[their] morale is at the low point."

Meanwhile, Zahid said the Malaysian Cabinet last Wednesday agreed to allow foreign news agencies, including the Philippines, to cover the military operations.

"The security personnel may also escort the foreign journalists to Ground Zero for them to get a better picture on the ongoing operation," Zahid said.

He added the foreign media crew can station their personnel at the media center in Felda Sahabat.

Since March 5, Malaysian security forces had been conducting offensive operations in areas of Sabah believed to be where Kiram's followers are hiding.

Malaysia has also rejected a unilateral ceasefire offer from the sultan, and instead insisted on having Kiram's followers surrender unconditionally.

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