PETALING JAYA (March 7): In response to the request of ceasefire by the self-proclaimed Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has stated that the government will only accept an unconditional surrender by the invading Sulu militants.

Najib told a live telecast press conference in Felda Sahabat that he told his Philippine counterpart, President Benigno Aquino III: “Malaysia’s stance is that they (the militants) must lay down their arms unconditionally and the weapons must be surrendered to us as soon as possible.”

On how long the Malaysian government would run the "Op Daulat", Najib firmly replied: “For as long as it takes to eliminate them ... or they surrender and lay down their arms unconditionally.”

In order to ensure the safety, peace and sovereignty of Sabah, Najib announced that the Sabah Eastern Command (SEC) will be boosted by the newly created Special Security Area (SSA) which will encompass the districts of: Kudat, Tawau, Semporna, Sandakan and Lahad Datu.

“Five additional battalions will be deployed at the SSA and for temporary measures we will be building cabins at this location. The SSA’s central command will be placed in Lahad Datu and it has been approved by the Cabinet.

“The presence of the SSA will ensure the safety of Sabahans and provide a sense of security for them. We have yet to decide the breakdown of the SSA which is a joint effort between the military and the police,” said Najib.

The SSA will also consist of civilian personnel besides the armed forces and will report directly to Sabah’s Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

He also added that the Suluk community leaders in Tawau has pledged their loyalty to Malaysia and that the leaders condemned the actions of the so-called Royal Army of Sulu.

“They have pledged their loyalty to Malaysia, the federal government and the state government. They are peace loving Malaysians who will not assist the militants invading our soil,” said Najib.

Najib then rubbished Kiram’s claim over Sabah pointing out that the Cobbold Commission report is recognised by the United Nations where two-thirds of Sabahan chose to be a part of Malaysia.

“Under international laws, the citizens of any nation has the right to determine, based on the principles of self-determination, legal aspects and collective democratic voice on who will govern them. Therefore, Sabah’s inclusion in Malaysia should not be questioned by anyone.

“And here I want to reaffirm my stance that you should never take the Malaysian government’s willpower regarding Sabah lightly. This should not be questioned by anyone domestic or foreign. We will defend our sovereignty,” said Najib.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein tweeted that the the formation of the SSA was testimony of the government's commitment to the safety and security of Sabah and its people.

"There is no option but for the terrorist to lay down their arms unconditionally. Operations are on as usual," he added.

Since Feb 12, militant followers from the defunct Sulu Sultanate originating from the Southern parts of Philippines invaded Sabah and holed up in Kampung Tanduo.

Since their infiltration, they ambushed and murdered eight Malaysian police personnel leading to retaliation strikes by the Malaysian armed forces, including airstrikes, naval blockade and now a guerrilla style manhunt for the 200 odd invaders.

Kiram requested for a ceasefire after around 30 of his men were shot dead.