Esmail Kiram II, who was crowned in Jolo on March 12, 2001, is the sole and rightful Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo. He satisfies all of the traditional rules of succession, whereas no other member of the Kiram Family does, since all the others lack some if not most of the qualifying factors.
Sultan Esmail Kiram II was overwhelmingly endorsed by the rahyat of the Sulu Archipelago. On April 7, 2005, The Crown Prince and Royal Datus issued a statement of absolute recognition of Sultan Esmail Kiram II.
Since his coronation, he has commenced a tremendous diplomatic mission to remind world leaders, especially in the ASEAN Region, that the Sulu Sultanate can serve as a critical instrument for peace, development, and diplomacy.
The Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo suffers from many problems, including a failed educational system, abysmal health care, terrible infrastructure, and constant military turmoil. There have been many great promises to Sulu, but fewer results. In many ways, the people are worse off today than when the Europeans found them five hundred years ago.
The government in Manila has tried to help. The MNLF under Chairman Nur Misuari has tried. ARMM under Governor Parouk Hussin and successors made strides. Who can actually solve the problems? Perhaps the traditional Muslim institution of the Sultanate can promote cohesiveness for the benefit of the people.
However, it should be obvious that many organizations, including nations, may prefer a divided Sulu Sultanate. Yet hope must begin with unity and a plan. Sultan Esmail Kiram II believes the impoverished people of Sulu need a Master Plan for their future that is grounded upon their traditions and culture. He will provide that Master Plan in a separate publication.
Much work exists to be done. It is the hope of the Sultan that he can contribute mightily to the welfare of the people of Sulu. The Sultanate welcomes all groups that wish to work with Esmail Kiram II.
In the above chart, a man receives a score of 1 if he satisfies one of the criteria for succession, 0 if he does not.
References
Muslims in the Philippines. Cesar Adib Majul. University of the Philippines Press, 1999.
Sultanate of Sulu. Clemencio Bascar. Western Mindanao State University Press. 2003.
The Philippines in the 6th to 16th Centuries. E.P Patanne. LSA Press. 1996.
The Genealogy of the Sulu Royal Families. Dr. Abdul Karim Hedjazi and S. Ututalun. Professional Press.2003.
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