DAP MP: Nothing wrong with Nurul Izzah building relationship with ex-Sulu Sultan’s daughter

(Malay Mail Online) – A DAP lawmaker today defended Nurul Izzah Anwar after the PKR MP was photographed with the daughter of the late Jamalul Kiram III, saying he saw nothing wrong with anyone building a relationship with the former Sulu Sultan’s kin.

Sandakan MP Stephen Wong said although he acknowledges that emotions were still raw over the bloody Lahad Datu incursion led by Jamalul in 2013, no one should blame the latter’s daughter Jacel Kiram for her father’s actions.

“I think Nurul Izzah has the personal right to build a relationship with the daughter (of Jamalul),” he told reporters here.

“But I do not think just because the father does something, the daughter will follow his footsteps. I do not see any problem with this.”

Pictures of Nurul Izzah together with Jacel have sparked outrage among Internet users, with some asking why the Lembah Pantai MP would associate herself with the daughter of the former self-styled Sulu Sultan.

Some have also slammed Nurul Izzah for her insensitivity, claiming that her association humiliated the Malaysian security forces who fought the Lahad Datu invaders in 2013.

Minister in Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim said that Nurul Izzah should explain her action as the issue was sensitive.

“It is sensitive issue, she should explain to the public why the picture was taken,” he said when approached by reporters at the Parliament lobby here.

On February 2013, over 200 Sulu gunmen stormed Lahad Datu in Sabah to stake the sultanate’s claim over the east Malaysian state.

In the bloody standoff that ensued with Malaysia’s security forces, a total of 68 terrorists were reportedly shot dead while 10 local policemen were killed.

A total of 173 arrests were made and 30, consisting of 27 Filipinos and three local residents, are being tried for terrorism-related charges.