Malaysia to remain as broker in peace talks

MANILA, Philippines - Malaysia, which is still running after the forces of the Sulu sultanate that entered Sabah last February, will remain as the third party facilitator in the creation of a new Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief and Transition Commission chair Mohagher Iqbal said yesterday the ongoing conflict in Sabah would not disrupt the crafting of a law that would form the Bangsamoro entity.

“The position of the MILF as far as Sabah is concerned is very clear. It’s not part of the agenda,” Iqbal said in a press briefing.

The Transition Commission is tasked to draft a law that will create the Bangsamoro entity. The 15-man body was formed through an executive order issued by President Aquino last December.

The law, which will be certified as urgent by Aquino, will have to be subjected to a plebiscite.

The creation of the commission was provided in the framework agreement on Bangsamoro signed by the MILF and the government on Oct. 15, 2012.

Analysts have claimed that Malaysia’s failure to implement a ceasefire in the Sabah crisis would affect its credibility as facilitator of peace talks.

Despite the Sabah standoff, Iqbal expressed belief that the annexes of the framework agreement would be finished before the elections in May.

“I am optimistic, although I recognize that the way ahead is still full of obstacles. It’s not an easy way forward,” he said.

The framework agreement outlines general agreements on major issues, including the extent of sharing power, revenues and territory to be granted to the new Muslim autonomous region.

Under the accord, a large number of army troops would gradually be replaced by a regional police force that could enlist qualified guerrillas.– Alexis Romero, John Unson, AP