The Bangsa Sug* knows that even voting for no would not be winning as their home-island is part of the 'core' to be included in the proposed autonomy named after the colonial-imposed identify of the people, territory and government and even part of the legendary Sulu Sea.
Their vote for no is somehow a symbolism that they are fighting for their rights to self-determination, which is the core purpose of the plebiscite. This is another milestone in the history of the Sulu archipelago. This 'no' should also be heard and considered. likewise those voted for yes. They have exercised their rights of suffrage and that's their freedom to choose whatever they want, thus exercising their democratic rights.
If some chose no or yes, be it. The interest of some in choosing no is to protect anything left in their home-island to be kept for the next generations, peace and development. And the interest of those choosing yes is also for peace and development. Whatever nation's identity they are given doesn't matter anymore. That's the way democratic process is done.
Their vote for no is somehow a symbolism that they are fighting for their rights to self-determination, which is the core purpose of the plebiscite. This is another milestone in the history of the Sulu archipelago. This 'no' should also be heard and considered. likewise those voted for yes. They have exercised their rights of suffrage and that's their freedom to choose whatever they want, thus exercising their democratic rights.
If some chose no or yes, be it. The interest of some in choosing no is to protect anything left in their home-island to be kept for the next generations, peace and development. And the interest of those choosing yes is also for peace and development. Whatever nation's identity they are given doesn't matter anymore. That's the way democratic process is done.
As having a bangsa of their own, they once again proved that they have their own identity, language, culture and heritage from geographically different and demographically unique bonded by the strong sea currents in sailing the sea of the Sulu archipelago.
But being Muslims, their connections with their Muslim brethren that chose to be identified with colonial identity are still strong because their ties are bonded by the kalimah, 'La Ilaha IllAllah Muhammadur Rasulullah', not the nation named by colonials. This is the most peaceful way of making coexistence stronger than ever.
Allah Knows Best!
*The group of people of the Sulu archipelago, geographically and demographically bounded by Sulu Sea.