Reclamation of Sabah: The Tausug Struggle for Self-Determination and its Implications

on the Philippine Republic

The Sabah Reclamation is arguably one of the long-standing issues in Philippine
history. For many years, the Tausug have been continuously asserting their claim over
Sabah which is originally part of the Sultanate of Sulu. Likewise, the Philippines and
Malaysian Government have entered several negotiations in order to settle the dispute,
but the Tausug refused to accept any offers from both parties. They believe that
accepting such offers would mean surrendering their rights over their territory, thus
renunciation of their right to self-determination.
The main focus of this topic is to analyze the Tausug`s struggle for self-
determination and how the reclamation of Sabah would aid them in their cause. Present
Sultan Bahjin recognizes that the Philippines does not possess claimants to Sabah in
the manner that the Sultanate of Sulu has. Such prerogatives imply the importance of
the region to their own self-determination, regardless of the rejection of the Malaysian
government. Bahjin’s adamant assertion proves the need to establish the significant
relationship between their identities and the long-annexed possession of Sabah.
Furthermore, the ownership of Sabah remains relevant due to its implications on
the West Philippine Sea dispute. As such, the Philippine government cannot afford to
have tensions with its neighboring country, Malaysia. As such, the Philippine
government, aside from the Marcos and Macapagal Administration, continuously fail to
acknowledge Sulu Sultanate’s rights over Sabah. Hence, both the Philippine and
Malaysian government undermine the rights of the sultanate.