Sultanate of Sulu to invoke historic treaties, strengthen Mindanao alliance in Sabah claim push

Aside from the 1915 Carpenter-Kiram Treaty with the United States, the Sultanate of Sulu is also considering invoking ancient treaties with China, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands to support its $25 billion suit against Malaysia before the United Nations, a top Sultanate official declared on Tuesday.

Abraham Idjirani, secretary general of the Sultanate of Sulu, told the DAILY TRIBUNE that they are considering seeking China’s endorsement of the Sultanate’s petition before the United Nations, which seeks $25 billion in damages for what they allege is the illegal annexation of Sabah.

The Sultanate of Sulu and the Ming Dynasty had an existing agreement from 1405 recognizing Sulu’s status as an independent tributary state.

“No less than Chinese President Xi Jinping affirmed this relationship during the 600th death anniversary of the East King of Sulu on 20 September 2017, held at his tomb in Dezhou City, Shandong Province, China,” Idjirani said.

Idjirani, who was among the delegates present, said President Xi addressed the gathering via a large LCD screen, recognizing the Sulu King’s journey as a gesture of goodwill and commercial diplomacy between the Ming Dynasty and the Kingdom of East Sulu.

He added that President Xi spoke for nearly an hour in Chinese, with Pastor Boy Sayson, a diplomatic consultant of the Sultanate, interpreting his remarks — including Xi’s affirmation of the ancient alliance.

“The legacy of the 1405 treaty stands as the soul of China-Sulu relations. Despite the centuries that have passed, the Chinese government has recognized this bond, even inviting the 35th Sultan of Sulu, Phugdalun Kiram II, to commemorate the historic event recorded in the annals of China-Sulu history,” Idjirani said.

He said the China-Sulu alliance was formalized by a treaty recognizing Sulu’s status as an independent tributary state of China in 1405.

In 1915, a similar agreement — the Carpenter-Kiram Treaty — was signed, placing Mindanao, Sulu, and North Borneo under American protection.

Idjirani said the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, also known as the Bangsa Suluk Nation, submitted a petition in 2004 to the United Nations (via its satellite office in Makati) to reclaim Sabah based on sovereign, legal, and historic rights.

He also noted that the Sultanate will seek the support of other Mindanao Sultanates in pursuing the Sabah claim.

According to Idjirani, the three Sultanates in Mindanao have signed a Covenant of Unity, Collaboration, Cooperation, and Cultural Preservation — a significant step in reaffirming their longstanding cultural and historical ties.

The Sultanates of Maguindanao, Sulu and North Borneo, and the Rajanate of Buayan sa Buayan renewed their commitment during the covenant signing held at the Grand Madrid Convention Center of Palacio del Sur in Zamboanga City on 28 October.

His Royal Highness Sultan Macapado M. Benito Sr. represented the Sultanate of Maguindanao, HRH Sultan Phugdalun Kiram II represented the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo, and His Majesty Rajahbuayan Sansaluna A. Pinagayao Dimasangkay II represented the Rajanate of Buayan sa Buayan. The signing was witnessed by around 3,000 members from the three Mindanao Sultanates.