Al-Ehsan Islamiah charity foundation president Muhammad Ridhwan Sulaiman, who was detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 today for his possible links to the Lahad Datu intrusion by terrorists from southern Philippines, claims Jamalul

Kiram is not a real descendant of the Sulu sultanate.

NONE Ridhwan ( left ) said Muedzul Lail Tan Kiram is the genuine sultan of Sulu as Muedzul is the offspring of the last sultan of Sulu recognised by the Philippine government.

Ridhwan also admitted he gave aid to him (Muedzul), but declined to eloborate on it.

"Based on the recognition given by the Philippine government to the sultan of Sulu, my organisation provided financial assistance to Muedzul.

"I have been to Jolo Island in southern Philippines three times and based on posters with his face on every street corner and the reaction by the local community there, it clearly shows he (Muedzul) is the child of the last sultan of Sulu.

"I brought a yellow book and cheque stubs as a proof of transaction to the police but I don't know who is Jamalul Kiram ," Ridhwan told reporters before surrendering at the Ampang police station in Kuala Lumpur today.

Yesterday, Sabah Police Commissioner Hamza Taib had said Muhammad Ridhwan was high on the police wanted list, but he was not involved with terrorists who intruded into eastern Sabah.

'Ridhwan can assist in investigations'

However, Hamza said, Ridhwan could assist in investigations in connection with Ops Daulat (the government's security offensive against the terrorists).

Ridhwan said on his first encounter with Muedzul he was informed by him (Muedzul) that the descendants of the Sulu sultanate could not claim Sabah from Malaysia and was shown several letters and documentation to the effect.

Asked about the Sabah lease agreement, which will expire in 2015 and which the intruders wanted to renew, as claimed by some quarters, Ridhwan said, "It is not true, the then sultan of Sulu did not create any agreement and no time frame was given on the lease agreement.

"The Sulu sultan back then (believed to be in the 1800s), handed over Sabah to the British for development."

- Bernama