Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Prof. Nur Misuari, out on bail since April 25 from his detention, has resurrected the dormant — or almost dead Sabah issue — prompting the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other MNLF leaders to appeal to Misuari to go slow on the explosive claim of the heirs of Sultan Jamalul Kiram over the oil-rich island.

Misuari spoke before thousands of his followers in a peace congress in Davao City on May 23-24, ending his over an hour speech with challenge to Malaysia to bring the Sabah claim to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ justice arm located in The Hague, The Netherlands.

Over in Sabah, Datuk Yong Teck Lee, president of the Sabah Progressive Party, reacted angrily over Misuari’s statement.

Lee sought retaliation by calling for stricter measures against Filipinos in Sabah.

Among those present when Misuari made the challenge in Davao City was Hadji Akmad Bayam, a former chief propagandist of the MNLF. Bayam noted that one of the claimants to the leadership of the Sultanate of Sulu, stood beside Misuari as he delivered his speech.

"Misuari is considered among the rightful claimants (of Sabah) as his great-great grandfather, Panglima Maha Besar of Sulu, led the contingent that protected the Sultan of Brunei, the great-great grandfather of the present Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah," said Bayam.

Malaysia, said Bayam, has long been apprehensive the Misuari-led MNLF would forge an alliance with the heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu for the Sabah claim. "This is now happening with Misuari at the center of the issue," he added.

On the other hand, the MILF through Khaled Musa, deputy chief of the Moro group’s committee on information, appealed to Misuari "to go slow" on the Sabah issue.

He warned this "too hot to handle" issue could have international repercussions and might also boomerang on Misuari.

With the MNLF founder reviving the Sabah issue, Musa said this would be interpreted as a "an act of vengeance or retaliation" after Malaysia surrendered Misuari in January 2002 to the Philippines or it would give the impression he is doing a "demolition job" against the Mindanao peace process which Malaysia is facilitating between the MILF and the Philippine government.

"Brother Misuari may have all the best intentions in the renewed call for the Sabah claim, but if not handled cautiously could only benefit those who want the Muslims to quarrel among themselves.

Bayam does not agree with the MILF on Misuari’s Sabah call.

"The MILF criticism on the matter is unwarranted because the claim of sovereignty and proprietary (rights) over Sabah is exclusive to the Sultanate of Sulu and its subjects to which Nur Misuari rightfully belongs," said Bayam, saying the claimants have all the aces backed by authentic historical documents.

Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin G. Sema, whom other senior MNLF leaders and commanders installed as MNLF chairman, aired great concern over Misuari’s revival of the Sabah claim.

Sema, whose taking over of the MNLF leadership is not accepted by Misuari and his followers, "strongly appealed to Misuari not to use the Sabah issue to stir restlessness among local Muslims in Sabah and here in southern Philippines."

He said the Sabah claim is an old issue which should not drive a wedge between the Bangsamoro people and Malaysia.

Even the Philippine government, Sema said, uses diplomacy and respect in dealing with the Sabah issue to preserve relations with Malaysia.

"Malaysia has been very good to the Moro people when they allowed them to seek refuge from the genocide perpetrated by the military during the revolution in 70s," said Sema, adding Malaysia serves as the Moro people’s home away from home.