A self-proclaimed Philippine sultan whose followers launched a deadly incursion into Malaysia last month called on Thursday for a ceasefire, following a major offensive by Malaysian troops.
Jamalul Kiram III declared a unilateral ceasefire for 12.30pm and urged Malaysia to reciprocate, according to a statement read out by his spokesman in Manila.
“They will not take any action. They will remain in the place where they are now. They will not expand operations,” the spokesman said, referring to the militants, believed to number between 100 and 300, in Malaysia’s Sabah state.
The spokesman, Abraham Idjirani, said Kiram was responding to a call by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday in which he urged an end to the violence and encourage dialogue between the opposing sides.
“The sultan is calling for a unilateral ceasefire... in order to reciprocate the call of the UN to preserve lives,” said Idjirani, as the elderly and ailing Kiram sat next to him.
“We hope Malaysia reciprocates the same call for a ceasefire.”