Dr M's statement on status of Filipino refugees
eases Sabahans' anxiety
KOTA KINABALU, Sept 22
(Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad's statement that Filipinos
fleeing to Malaysia will be treated as war refugees has eased the anxiety among the people
in Sabah, Chief Minister Datuk Osu Sukam said Friday.
He said Sabahans were worried over the possibility of them entering Sabah to escape the
military attack on Muslim rebels on Jolo island in southern Philippines.
" Irrespective of whether they are members of the separatist movement or not, those
who enter the state will be categorised as war refugees," he told reporters when
asked to comment on Dr Mahathir's statement yesterday that Filipinos fleeing to Malaysia
would be treated as war refugees.
Dr Mahathir was asked on the Malaysian government's policy in facing the possibility of
Filipinos from southern Philippines entering into Malaysia to escape the military
offensive on the hideout of the separatist group in Jolo Island.
Last Saturday, Philippine security forces launched attacks on the orders of Philippine
president Joseph Estrada to secure the release of 19 hostages being held captive by the
armed group on the island including three Malaysians abducted from Pulau Pandanan, off
Semporna, Sabah on Sept 10.
Two French journalists have since escaped from the group.
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