Malaysian prime minister rejects ceasefire offer in Sabah

Kuala Lumpur/Manila - Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razakon Thursday rejected a ceasefire offered by a Philippine sultan after clashes between the sultan's followers and Malaysian troops over a land claim in the eastern state of Sabah.

"They have to surrender their arms," Najib said during a visit to the conflict zone in Lahad Datu town, 1,600 kilometres east of KualaLumpur.

"They have to do it as soon as possible." Najib said the operations against the Filipino militants will continue "for as long as it takes" or until "they lay down their arms unconditionally." Najib’s office said his visit was to check on the logistics of the police and army operation hunting more than 200 followers of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III who set camp in Tanduo village in February 12.//DPA