Malaysian official links Misuari followers to Sabah abductions — report

From GMA News (Jul 16): Malaysian official links Misuari followers to Sabah abductions — report

A Malaysian official has linked Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari and his followers to recent intrusions and abductions by armed men into Sabah.

Malaysia's Bernama news agency quoted Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as saying the abductions sought to raise funds to revive the front's military wing.

"We do not have any direct relationship with Nur Misuari, but we believe he has a bigger agenda, is conspiring with individuals who are said to be part of the Sulu Sultanate, which aims to take over Sabah," he said.

Zahid was also quoted as saying the abductions sought to exert the group's influence in the southern Philippines.

He said Misuari appeared to be confident that Sabah could be taken over by the Sulu Sultanate and wanted to get involved.

But he said the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) will thwart intruders.

Misuari and his group had been linked to last year's attempted occupation and standoff in Zamboanga City.

In past months, armed men had entered Sabah and abducted several people.

Last Saturday, gunmen attacked a resort on Pulau Mabul, Sabah. The attack killed marine police corporal Ab Rajah Jamuan, 32, while the men abducted Constable Zakia Aleip.

Zahid said the Philippines and Malaysia are working closely in facing threats from "militants from the southern Philippines."

"We are cooperating very well, in terms of their navy and coast guard, they are giving us their fullest cooperation," he said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/370433/news/nation/malaysian-official-links-misuari-followers-to-sabah-abductions-report