KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Although Jamalul Kiram III of the so-called Sulu sultanate died yesterday, the threat of Sulu terrorists against Malaysia remains, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Based on police intelligence, there were seven people tussling to head the terrorist group which was said to have inherited the ‘Sulu sultanate’, he said.

Even though the names of the seven could not be revealed, the police and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) had been instructed to be prepared against any eventuality, Ahmad Zahid (picture) added.

“Upon Jamalul’s death, we cannot assume that the intrusion of Kiram terrorists has thereby, ended, as there are seven individuals who feel they are eligible to take over the ‘Sulu sultanate’.

“The police and ATM are monitoring closely, as what happened in February was not Jamalul Kiram’s personal action and we suspect there were hidden hands which caused the terrorists to enter our country through Lahad Datu, Sabah,” he said when met by reporters at Parliament lobby here today.

Yesterday, the media reported that Jamalul Kiram died at a hospital in Manila, Philippines due to organ failure.

Ahmad Zahid said national security should remain on full alert after the death of Jamalul as it could not be assumed that those who took over from him would not embark on any undesirable action.

In February, security forces launched ‘Operasi Daulat’ to eliminate the terrorists after negotiations over a month failed to get them to surrender.

During the operation, 10 security forces personnel were killed while 68 terrorists were shot dead, 173 arrested and several others, including Jamalul Kiram, fled. — Bernama