I do not usually take a strong stand on any overtly partisan issue, unless I am driven by a specific conviction on truth matters related to the subject. Therefore, when some partisan groups have asked me to speak at fund-raising dinners which I attended, I usually refuse. But, recently I made one exception. Now, I am reflecting on why I did that.

First, a story that opened up my mind on the Sulu sultan and his claims about Sabah, on behalf of his ancestors. But, as I always say in class, we must start with definitions, so our listeners are also on the same page.

Of sultans and sultanates

What is the common history and truths about sultans and sultanates? Where to find answers? Of course through Wikipedia ; the most accessible dictionary in any home with a computer! So, here goes:

Sultan is a noble title with several historical meanings. Originally, it was an Arabic language abstract noun meaning \”strength\”, \”authority\”, \”rulership\” and \”dictatorship\”, derived from the masdar, meaning \”authority\” or \”power\”. Later, it came to be used as the title of certain rulers who claimed almost full sovereignty in practical terms (i.e., the lack of dependence on any higher ruler), without claiming the overall caliphate, or to refer to a powerful governor of a province within the caliphate.

The dynasty and lands ruled by a sultan are referred to as a sultanate .

Persekutuan Tanah-Tanah Melayu, or otherwise known as the Federation of Malaya, has nine sultans and some legacy of nine sultanates. Nine of them continue to rule over the nine Malay federated and un-federated states of Malaya. Each of these sultans is head of Islam and protectors of Malay culture and heritage in their states. Each of them has their own history and ancestry, but that is not the subject of review here.

Suffice to say that legitimate sultans of old have become duly recognised in modern times. Another good and excellent example of such sultans is the Sultan of Brunei, who is the legitimate ruler and lord of the Islamic sultanate and which is also a member of the United Nations, and an equal member of the British Commonwealth. Brunei had opportunities to join both Malaya and Malaysia with each of their constitutions.

Of the Sulu sultanate and its heritage

The sultanate of Sulu Dar al-Islam was an Islamic Tausug state that ruled over many of the islands of the Sulu Sea , in the southern Philippines and several places in northern Borneo . The sultanate was founded in 1457 by a Johor-born Arab explorer and religious scholar, Sayyid Abu Bakr Abirin , after he settled in Banua Buansa Ummah (ummah is an Arabic term for \”community\”), Sulu . After the marriage of Abu Bakr and local dayang-dayang (princess) Paramisuli, he founded the sultanate and assumed the title Paduka Mahasari Maulana al Sultan Sharif ul-Hāshim.

The above is the so-called history of the heritage of the Sulu sultanate. But, in the same Wikipedia which defined sultans and sultanates, the so-called sultanate of Sulu is not listed as a formal and agreed sultanate. On the other hand, if one checks for the Sultanate of Brunei, for example (and, there are many listed from all over the two-thirds world) it becomes obvious what a modern and valid sultanate looks like.

The Prime Minister\’s Office of Brunei sultanate gives the names and the entire heritage and ancestry of the sultanate since 1363. With such reliable and valid (this is a Wikipedia-type definition of truth matters) information and if not denied by anyone, it is their ‘truth\’ for all intends and purposes.

A sultanate overtaken by events of history?

History is usually written by victors, not victims. Now, just because I think the so-called sultanate of Sulu may have existed, it does not follow that they must still exist today. Therefore my sincere and honest question is: does this so-called sultanate really exist; even in modern times?

For an excellent and up to date discussion (although, still not yet comprehensive) of related issues on this topic please review the Al Jazeera broadcast on this subject.

Now, why am I commenting on this subject? To me, truth matters, and usually to know or find out the truth about many matter, a good researcher will hear all sides of any story. Once we get multiple views of any story; the \’relative truth\’ will become evident. Or, the truth will emerge.

The simple analogy about the Sulu sultanate I read was written by a Sabahan former tourism officer. It gave a possible accurate narrative of the whole Sulu sultan\’s so-called claims from another perspective.

A landlord called Jamalul leased a piece of land to a tenant called Overbeck for a yearly rent of $5,000. The written agreement stated that Overbeck cannot sub-let the land or sell the lease without Jamalul\’s permission. But the tenant despite the prohibition illegally sold the lease to a sub-tenant called Great Britain who later also illegally sold the lease to a sub-sub-tenant called Malaysia.

What is truth?

The partisan friend at whose fund-raising dinner I spoke is Dr Nasir Hashim; the assemblyperson for Kota Damansara. He was my senior in RMC and under his leadership we won the Cameronian Cup, the biggest recognition in inter-company sports; in those days when RMC was a sports icon in the nation.

Moreover, he has given his life for the cause of the poor and underprivileged in Malaysia. And what impressed me most when I got there to the parking lot where the dinner was hosted was that almost all his right-hand and left-land lieutenants were all Malaysians of Indian descent.

That made me question whether isn\’t he the most significant servant leader of any Hindraf-like movement? May God eradicate poverty in Malaysia; whether they are called Suluks or Kadazans or Orang Asli.