PKR vice-president Tian Chua has been accused of arranging the meeting between Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar and Jacel H Kiram, the daughter of the late Sulu Sultan.

"Tian Chua is the person who arranged the meeting," claimed Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

"Tian Chua is responsible for carrying out this subtle move to connect with what is called the Sulu sultanate which purportedly wants to reclaim its territories up to Sabah," he added.

Nurul Izzah, who is also a PKR vice-president, was forced to express regret when her meeting with Jacel drew criticism due to the Sulu incursion into Sabah, which left numerous Malaysian security personnel dead.

Meanwhile, Zahid, who is also home minister, said Tian Chua should be more responsible in his actions.

"He should be more careful in arranging programmes for party members. He should also not simply come out with statements," he said.

The Umno vice-president said it was as though the PKR leader had ulterior motives in questioning the wrong committed by Nurul Izzah.

"This is not about crime per se but it is about the country's dignity and sovereignty.

"We can differ on views and we can celebrate such differences, but we should not compromise when it comes to the country's sovereignty and dignity," he said.

Tian Chua had demanded that Putrajaya explain the crime Nurul Izzah had committed by meeting Jacel.

He was reported as having criticised Zahid for saying police would investigate the meeting between the two.

Meanwhile, Zahid also urged the country's leaders to be more sensitive, especially on matters related to the Sulu sultanate.

"All political leaders must be sensitive in this matter, especially if it involves the country's sovereignty. It's as though you are supporting the action," he said, when asked for his response on the meeting between Nurul Izzah and Jacel.

He also confirmed that police will record Nurul Izzah's statement on the matter.

"What's important now is the feelings of family members of our fallen heroes who had died because of Jamalul Kiram's actions," he said.

Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar yesterday said Nurul Izzah could be investigated under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) and Section 124 of the Penal Code.