Tuesday, June 10, 2014

MILF: Editorial -- Nothing is prejudiced

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Jun 9): Nothing is prejudiced

The Sabah Claim by the Sultanate of Sulu is not part of the agenda of the GPH-MILF peace negotiation; it has never been discussed officially by the parties during their 17 years of peace engagement.
  
Even the MNLF, which was led by Nur Misuari, a Tausog, never had this issue part of their peace negotiation with the government. The claim rests entirely with the Philippine government, being within the ambit of foreign relations. The Sultanate of Sulu, however, is free to pursue (or not to pursue) its claim, if any, because the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) is totally silent on this issue.

However, we appeal to the heirs of the Sultanate to read the CAB carefully and not to interpret beyond its proper context and nuances. All legitimate rights of the Bangsamoro are upheld and enshrined. Nothing legitimate is prejudiced. The MILF has no right to foreclose any legitimate rights of the Bangsamoro people.

If the MILF differs sharply with other groups asserting for the same rights of the Bangsamoro people, it is because of two critical factors or approaches: First, it has a clear ideology on which basic principles and core values emanate; and second, as much as possible, it is pragmatic. It studies the cause and effect in historical or political events and adopts the most appropriate strategy and tactics. For instance, correct history would tell us that practically the whole of Mindanao and Sulu belongs to the Bangsamoro people. If the MILF insists on including all these areas in the territory of the Bangsamoro in the negotiation, would that be practical?  Would there be CAB at all, come to think of it?

The truth is that man, group, nation cannot rest on their laurels alone; because many of these past glories cannot be enforced effectively or achieved anymore. Any man or woman who relies on laurels alone is like dreaming for the rainbow where a cache of gold is stored. Sometimes, what is available or practical is always the best choice.

For the MILF, past history is very important but the future is more important. We cannot rely on reliving the past, because it is only in our minds. We must prepare for the future. This is where we are going and we cannot escape from it. We either succeed or we fail and the choice is ours to make.

The CAB is designed for the collective interests of the entire Bangsamoro people. It is neither pro-poor nor pro-elite. Whoever has the moral ascendancy and leadership qualities --- and accepted by the people --- will be given the chance to lead our people. In Islam, except by piety, everyone is equal before God.

We are open to holding dialogue with the Sultanate of Sulu, as we are open to any and all other groups. Hearing from the horses’ mouth, so to speak, is better than one’s own interpretations.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/1026-nothing-is-prejudiced

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