The police have expanded the investigation into the case of a woman believed to be a Sabahan living abroad who is reportedly the spokesman for a group that wants Sabah to secede from Malaysia, Sabah police commissioner Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said today. 

 

He said he could not divulge anything more as the matter was confidential. 

 

"The police have expanded the investigation wide and to a higher level, including securing the assistance of several quarters," he told a news conference after attending an Aidiladha reception at the Nur Islam Mosque at the Sabah Police headquarters Kota Kinabalu. 

 

The woman, who goes by the name of Doris Jones, has a Facebook account that proposes seceding Sabah and Sarawak from Malaysia. 

 

Asked whether Doris was still abroad, Jalaluddin said she was. 

 

It had been reported that the police were looking for Jones to assist in the investigation to the issue of Sabah seceding from Malaysia. 

 

Captured cop: Talks final stages

 

Meanwhile on another matter, Jalaluddin said police are in the final stage of negotiations to secure the release of a marine police constable held captive by the armed men who abducted him from a resort in Pulau Mabul, Semporna, in July. 

 

He said the police were working with the Philippine government and the armed men to secure the release of Constable Zakia Aliep who was kidnapped on July 12.

 

"The development in the case is so far, so good and still under control. The victim is safe and we are in the final negotiations with the Malaysian and Philippine governments and the kidnapping suspects."

 

Jalaluddin said Zakia had contacted his family 79 times since his abduction. 

 

He also said that cage-fish farming entrepreneur Chan Sai Chiun, who was kidnapped from Kampung Sapang Air, Kunak, on June 16, was safe and the police were also working on securing his release.

 

- Bernama