PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim has demanded that the authorities investigate photos showing Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak meeting with Esmail Kiram, the younger brother of self-proclaimed Sulu sultan Jamalul Kiram III, and former minister Aziz Shamsuddin.

NONE Esmail played a role in negotiations between Jamalul and Manila during the Lahad Datu intrusion, while Aziz was alleged to be involved in 'Project IC' during his stint as political secretary of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"There is photo evidence of the meeting between Aziz Shamsuddin ( right ), former minister and political secretary of Mahathir who was involved in ‘Project IC', and Najib.

"There should be a thorough investigation on their relationship with Umno leaders. Fingers should not be only pointed at opposition leaders," PKR organ Keadilan Daily quoted Anwar as saying at a press conference in Kota Kinabalu today.

He stressed that an investigation is necessary as it involves the Lahad Datu intrusion and 'Project IC', which have had an impact on the peace in Sabah.

"Pakatan Rakyat's stance is clear. We support our security forces. But we remind that this issue is a national issue, and that the security of the nation should not be politicised," he said.

Unverified authenticity

The two photos widely circulated online by pro-Pakatan supporters show no date, and their authenticity has yet to be verified.

One shows Najib and Esmail, both in Malay traditional costume and songkok, at an indoor event with unidentified persons in the background.

Another shows Esmail sitting and chatting with Aziz, possibly at the same event as Esmail is wearing the same clothes.

According to media reports yesterday, Malaysian security forces had confirmed that the Sulu general arrested on March 23 is Datu Amir Bahar Hushin Kiram , the second son of Esmail.

Amir is being detained under Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.

Police yesterday claimed that the man in his late 40s is the defence minister of the 'Sulu sultanate' who has been giving orders to the intruders since the intrusion commenced on Feb 12.

The government is mulling the establishment of a royal commission of inquiry to uncover those behind the intrusion.

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