Release of Malaysian hostages
anytime now, says AzizKUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9
(Bernama) -- The remaining three Malaysian hostages held by rebels in Southern Philippines
are bracing for their release due anytime now, a senior Malaysian official said Wednesday
night.
"There has been positive development in efforts to secure their freedom," said
Deputy Education Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Shamsuddin.
The three Malaysians -- Ken Fong, Basilius Jim and Kua Yu Loong -- have been held for
three-and-a-half months together with nine European and South African hostages on Jolo
island.
"The Malaysians are in good spirit and shape while there is adequate food
supply," he told Bernama over the telephone from Kota Kinabalu.
Aziz and former Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Yong Teck Lee were in Zamboanga City, Southern
Philippines, over the weekend in their personal effort to secure the release of the
hostages.
The Abu Sayyaf rebels have so far released six Malaysian hostages out of the 21 hostages
they kidnapped from Sipadan island off Sabah on April 23.
While in Zamboanga City, they held talks with chief Philippine negotiator Roberto
Aventajado.
Aziz said the important thing was to respect the sovereignty of the Philippine Government
in whatever effort undertaken by Malaysian emissaries to secure the hostages' release.
"The Philippine side appreciates this and that is why we have been able to secure the
release of some hostages so far," he said.
Malaysian emissaries were also in direct contact with Abu Sayyaf leaders to help out in
the negotiation.
"The means to secure their release is immaterial but the important thing is the end
justifies the means," he said.
Asked when exactly the Malaysian hostages would be released, he said: "I can't give
the exact date as it will depend on the emissaries who are talking on the ground with the
captors".
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