Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has dismissed claims that Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters may help fight Malaysian forces conducting an operation to end the ‘Royal Sulu Army’ stand-off in Lahad Datu, Sabah.

NONE "We should not entertain that. There is no evidence of that," he told a press conference at Felda Sahabat Residence, Lahad Datu, this afternoon.

Former MNLF chief propagandist Hadji Acmad Bayam had claimed in a Philippines media report that former commanders who have settled in Sabah for decades are going to assist the Sulu intruders in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu.

He had also claimed the existence of a weapons stash in Sabah which they would retrieve for this purpose.

Zahid said the security forces are focusing their resources in Kampung Tanduo for now, but will act swiftly if there is information on other incursions.

"If there are places where we hear there are incursions, the armed forces and police are always ready," he said.

'Mopping-up operation going on'

Asked about the status of operations in Kampung Tanduo, Zahid said it was going on, but has been successful in the early stages.

“We have done our level best but we dare not confirm the results yet as the mopping-up operations are going on,” he said.

NONE He added that the offensive today involved three F/A-18 and five Hawk aircraft and five battalions of troops, in coordination with the police.

Zahid also said the stand-off was perpetrated by a small group of terrorists and the Suluks should not be blamed for it.

“We must differentiate between terrorists and the Suluks in Sabah. I hope they will join hands with the government, we will take care of them,” he said.

Zahid said the National Security Council is also working to get humanitarian aid to local villagers affected by the conflict.

Also at the press conference was Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, who confirmed that no Malaysian security forces had been injured or killed for now, while the operation is still on-going.

He added that the government was in communication with the Philippines government on how to deal with the remaining intruders.

“We will make an announcement soon,” he said.

Misuari denies claim

InterAksyon.com , the online news portal of TV5 in the Philippines, today quoted MNLF founder Nur Misuari as denying any hand in the Sulu sultanate's attempt to press its claim on Sabah by sending more than 200 followers into the state.

Nur Misuari leader of MNLF Misuari (right) , who visited Sulu sultan Jamalul Kiram III at the latter's Maharlika Village residence in Taguig City, said any talk about his involvement is "all wild speculation".

"In the first place, I have not inspired anyone to make this venture," he said, adding, "I cannot pre-empt the sultan."

He also said that for him "to finance (the Sabah venture) is out of the question".

While Misuari acknowledged that some of those among the armed intruders in Sabah are MNLF "freedom fighters," he said their involvement was "without my knowledge".

On Monday, President Benigno Aquino had claimed there is a "conspiracy" behind the Sabah voyage of the sultanate's followers and vowed to punish those responsible.

However, he admitted that he did not have enough proof yet to name names.

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