Saturday, October 19, 2013

Sultan Jamalul Kiram III has passed away

We have learned with profound sadness that HM Sultan Jamalul Kiram III passed away today 20 October 2013.

The Philippine Sabah Claim Forum, its founders, administrators, members, friends and supporters would like to express their heartfelt condolences to the family of Princess Jacel H. Kiram-Hasan for their loss and that of the Tausug people.

Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, the leader of the group of Sultanate royal forces who sailed to Sabah in February this year to stake their claim, was the visible face and voice of the nation's claim to Sabah. It was Sultan Jamalul who brought back the Republic's claim to Sabah to the fore when his loyal forces chose to do battle with Kuala Lumpur troops despite the hostility of the Philippine government early this year and despite overwhelming odds.

The nation has lost an admirable man, a formidable leader and a great proponent of the Philippine claim to Sabah who had said time and time again that Sabah belonged to the Philippine Republic and to the Filipino people.

May His Majesty rest in peace.