VP Binay meets Malaysian envoy to discuss Sabah crisis

Vice President Jejomar C. Binay met the Malaysian ambassador to the country in Manila on Monday, the first time since the Sabah crisis broke out.

 

The more-than-a-month-long deadly standoff in Malaysia's Sabah State was triggered by a group of about 180 militants who arrived in Sabah's Lahad Datu from southern Philippines on Feb. 9 to stake a 17th-century-based claim on the land. Malaysian forces have been launching assaults on several areas in Sabah to end the siege. The fighting that started on March 1 left at least 72 people dead, including 62 gunmen, eight policemen and two soldiers.

 

Binay said the meeting at Coconut Palace, the official residence and office of the vice president, with Ambassador Dato' Mohd Zamri Mohd Kassim was a positive signal from the Malaysian government. Although the two sides did not sign a treaty, they agreed to solve the Sabah crisis through peaceful means, Binay said at a press briefing after the meeting.

 

In mid-March, Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III accused those who instigated the Sabah invasion of putting their self interest above the well being of the area.

 

The president said he would not allow force to be used in addressing the Sabah claim, and his administration is now conducting a study on the issue.

 

Some analysts believe the Sabah crisis will be solved in a short amount of time, as Aquino's speech is being seen as a recognition of Malaysia's sovereignty over the region.  — Reuters