I was in the Philippines on the 9th of November with YB Tian Chua as part of the KEADILAN delegation to meet with various stakeholders from the Philippines.
We met with various leaders from both the administration and the opposition composed of members of congress, local government officials, NGO & peace advocates, business & industry leaders. It was an interfaith activity under the auspices of the council on Philippine affairs & the Asian Institute for Democracy, the office of the City Mayor of Manila & the office of the Vice President of the Philippines. It was a whirlwind & fleeting visit.
Among them are legitimate candidates contesting on Vice President Jejomar Binay’s ticket – and many other leaders from civil society. They include Former Governor and Congressman of Batangas Hermilando Mandanas, Congress lady Regina Reyes, Congressman Silvestre Bello, Dean of Law Amading Valdez, Former member of the cabinet Secretary Romy Nery, aspiring candidate Jacel Kiram and former Undersecretary of Justice Wencie Andanar and members of the staff of the Vice President of the Philippines and the Mayor of Manila.
I believe that continuous engagement with all sectors is crucial and key, similar to the current Malaysian government’s policy towards the Philippines and the region.
I wish to reiterate my support in defending the sovereignty of Sabah as part of the Malaysian federation. Any suggestion otherwise are mere wild, unfounded and malicious allegations.
NURUL IZZAH ANWAR
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR LEMBAH PANTAI
VICE PRESIDENT AND ELECTIONS DIRECTOR OF KEADILAN
