Foreign Minister Anifah Aman did not rule out the involvement of third parties in the intrusion of Sulu terrorist in Sabah, as reported by the media in the Philippines recently.

NONE Anifah (right) said Wisma Putra will get detailed information on the matter from the Philippines to start an investigation here, to identify the culprit who abetted terrorists to create instability.

"I have asked my counterpart to provide further information on what was reported in the Philippines, that there was a possibility of third party involvement.

"Some diplomats and ambassadors are also asking, the diplomatic corps, why now? That’s the very question being frequently asked at this moment of time.

"So, besides the focus and priority to finding the solution to the problem that’s happening in Lahad Datu, we at the same time will begin investigations on the possibility of the third-party involvement," he told reporters after a briefing session with diplomatic corps and media on the “Ops Daulat” in Lahad Datu, in Putrajaya today.

Earlier, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had also ordered the intelligence authorities to investigate a claim that an opposition leader had a hand in the armed intrusion in Lahad Datu, Sabah.

The Philippines Daily Inquirer had used a Reuters news agency article quoting a Philippines military officer as saying the intruders had come on the “invitation” of a Malaysian opposition politician.

The Manila Times had reportedly claimed that the incursion was related to the Malaysian opposition’s campaign to give Sabah autonomy, if they win the general election.

‘Evidence must be strong’

However, Anifah said the allegation was a serious matter but there must be strong evidence to identify the truth.

He described the armed terrorist group's action as a heinous act of terrorism and stressed that Malaysia never recognised claims by any parties on Sabah or any part of Malaysia.

In carrying out of the operation against the terrorist group, he said the government will continue to take the necessary measures to provide protection to civilians in the concerned areas.

"All measures are also being taken to address humanitarian needs, including medical needs of civilians. Various government departments and agencies are working together to help locals in the affected areas.

"Malaysia therefore views with serious concern the unjustified and unsubstantiated allegations of human rights abuses, as reported by some media in the Philippines. We strongly reject such allegations," he added.

Committed to upholding human rights

The minister said that all action taken by the government had been in conformity with applicable Malaysian law, rules, regulation and national policies and applicable international norms and standards.

"In carrying out the operation, the government not only complies with the guarantees as set out in the Malaysian federal constitution but also applicable international human rights norms and standards," he said.

NONE Anifah said, the government was also be committed to upholding the principles of Asean Charter and Asean Declaration of human rights.

"Malaysia’s position is very clear, the terrorist should lay down their arms and surrender unconditionally to allow for the law to take its course," he said.

At the same time Anifah said, Malaysia will not get its Asean neighbours involved in the East Sabah crisis because Malaysia has the situation under control.

According to him, he had briefed the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, yesterday on the developments of the situation in Lahad Datu and Semporna, Sabah.

"We respect the internal affairs of any other member states in Asean. I have briefed the Sultan of Brunei, who is also the chairman of Asean.

"He appreciated the brief on the stand off and it is not necessary to involve any of our neighbours as we are at the top of the situation," he said.

- Bernama