Secret plot to invade Malaysia’s Sabah with Sulu militia hatched in southern Philippines: security source
- Secret meeting of 19 mayors discussed recruiting 600 men to invade the state on Borneo island and spies to scope out coastal towns, though no one has infiltrated yet
- Responding to the report, Malaysia’s defence minister said the country’s security agencies are verifying the matter with their Philippine counterparts
The December 1 meeting was conducted by a locally-elected official of Sulu province, who gathered 19 mayors of the Sulu Archipelago to discuss plans to set up a “Royal Sulu Army” with a target of recruiting up to 600 men to invade Sabah, the source said.
“The potential of the plan to attack Sabah coming to fruition depends on how much political support and funds it can get from various parties,” the source said. “Many stakeholders in the Philippines and abroad are willing to exploit this issue for their respective political and strategic interests.”
Malaysian Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said on Friday his ministry and the country’s armed forces are “paying close attention” to This Week In Asia’s report.
“Any threat, whether credible or not, must be independently verified and taken seriously,” Hishammuddin said, adding that Malaysia’s intelligence and security agencies have also taken note of the matter and are verifying it with their Philippine and regional counterparts.