CONSTITUTION

OF THE SULTANATE OF SULU

DARUL ISLAM

PREAMBLE

We the Hamba Raayat of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam, imploring the aid of Allah the Most Sovereign God, in order to develop a just and human society and establish the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Isalm that is truly reflective of their ideological aspirations within the framework of this SSDI Constitution and Absolute Sovereignty of the Almighty God, as well as territorial integrity of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam, and to secure to themselves and their posterity the blessings of genuine Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam, parliamentary sultanate (Mesuarah), republicanism (Jamahariyyah), peace, justice and equality, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution through the act of the Parliament (Rumah Bichara) and General Assembly of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam.

ARTICLE I. THE NATIONAL RELIGION

Islam is the Official Religion of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam. The Almighty God Allah has declared in the Glorious Qur’an: Verily, Islam has been chosen for you as your Religion and the only Religion acceptable to God in the Day of Judgment. Notwithstanding, the SSDI however believes in the Qur’nic injunction that all Religions were revealed by Allah and that it shall respect and recognize, without compulsion as to their beliefs and practices among their faithful adherents. Islam is the Religion of Mankind, since the dawn of Humanity from the First Man (Adam) down to Noah and progenies, ancestors to some Mindanao Manobo and like kin, Subanun and Ilanun, Abraham and progenies, ancestors to some Israelite Jews and Christians, and Arabs, and finally, down to the last and seal of Prophet-hood, Muhammad.

ARTICLE II. THE NATIONAL TERRITORY

The national territory of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam comprises all the states bounded and surrounded by the Sulu Sea: The Sulu Archipelago, North Borneo, Palawan and Samboangan Peninsula, with all the islands and waters embraced therein, and without prejudice to all other territories over which the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam has enjoyed sovereignty, jurisdiction, and political influences, by historic and legitimate right over the Bisayas (Negros and Panay), Mindoro and southern Luzon (Batangas, Manila, Camarines), including Ilokos, and the rest of Nusantara (Malay Archipelago), consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial, and aerial domains,

including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil, the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters around, between, and connecting the islands of the Sulu Archipelago with those of mainland North Borneo, Palawan, and Zamboanga Peninsula on Mindanao.

THE SULTANATE OF SULU DARUL ISLAM

Section. 1. The Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam. The Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam consists of the Sulu Archipelago (Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Basilan), Sulu’s territorial jurisdiction (Zamboanga Peninsula) and without prejudice to adjacent Sulu allies on the Iliana Gulf (Lanao, Cotabato, and Davao). Section 2. The territory of the different States is determined by a combination of the historic, political origin, and geographic contiguity of their component areas, District (Daerah) and Kawman (Villages), as well as ethnic, linguistic, and other cultural aspects, and their socio-economic potential and viability.

Section 3. On the National Level: The Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam shall be comprised of five (5) states, namely: 1) Sulu/Tawi-Tawi 3) Basilan 2) North Borneo 4) Palawan, and 5) Zamboanga Peninsula. Section 4. On the National Level, the National Name “Sulu” shall apply to all the five 5) states, irrespective of origins, viz. Sulu Archipelago, North Borneo, Palawan, and Mindanao, all bounded by and located in the Sulu Sea. Hitherto, the name “Sulu” shall apply to all the People that inhabit the vast Sulu Sea.

THE STATES

Section 1. On the State Level: On the State Level, Sulu/Tawi-Tawi shall be composed of 26 Daerah (Districts), namely: Section 2. On the State Level, Basilan shall be composed of the all existing Daerah, named as Municipalities under the Local Code (to be later amended by SSDI Royal Code on District and Local Governance), namely: Section 3. On the State Level, North Borneo shall be composed of all existing Daerah, named as Districts under the Local Code (to be later amended by SSDI Royal Code on District and Local Governance), namely: Section 4. On the State Level, Palawan shall be composed of all existing Daerah, named as Municipalities under the Local Code (to be later amended by SSDI Royal Code on District Governance), namely: Section 5. On the State Level, Zamboanga Peninsula shall be composed of all existing Daerah, named as Municipalities under the Local Code (to be later amended by SSDI Royal Code on District and Local Governance), namely:

ARTICLE III. DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES

BASIC PRINCIPLES

Section. 1. There shall be at least (7) Basic Principles of Governance under the Modern Constitutional Sultaniyyah System of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam (SSDI) with a Federal – Parliamentary Type of government, as follows:

a) Absolute Sovereignty resides in the Almighty God and in Him alone, who is worthy of worship and allegiance.

b) Stewardship (Khilafat) and Public Trust (Amanah) reside in the People (Ummah, or Bangsa, Raayat, Katawhan or Mamamayan), who shall serve their fellowmen for their own general welfare and happiness and to seek the pleasure of the Almighty.

c) The Governance or Authority, the Sultan of the People, primus interpares, serves as Vicegerent and representative of the ‘Imam-Caliph’ of the Universal Khilafat; Stewarship and Public Trust; to carry out and implement the principles of state governance in accordance with the universal laws of the Absolute Sovereign and consensus of the rightly guided republicanism.

d) The territory or state belongs to the Almighty Creator, but the Right to exploit its resources, which are God’s bounties to all His creatures, may be justly and equitably authorized or granted to the Raayat (Masses of People) by the Sultan or his duly constituted authority and rightly guided representatives (sulta, datu, raja or maharaja, panondiongan, cabugatan, cali, panglima, bendahara, laksamana, nakib, wakil, imam, mufti, hyaji, and similar others) through due moral and legal processes in the State Parliament.

e) The ‘Imam-Caliph’ representative, the Sultan (Datu or Raja) being the highest authority of the People and through consensus with the masses, eliminates all forms of Fitnah (slander) oppression and tyranny at every level of governance, which must be accounted for in accordance with the People’s tradition (Tartib, Ijma, Adat, local customs) and Islamic norms, values and existing legal system for gross violation in the justice system.

f) The Ummah or Bangsa (Citizenry/Nation) must resist all forms of Jahiliyyah (lawlessness, immorality, ignorance, graft and corruption that can lead to poverty in all ramifications) in order to protect and safeguard the general welfare of the masses, which must be sanctioned by the people’s tradition (Tartib, Ijma. Adat, local customs) and Islamic norms, values and existing legal system for open transgression in the justice system.

g) There must be regular consultation (Mesuarah) among the People (Ummah, Bangsa, Raayat, Katawhan, Mamamayan) in all matters and at all levels of governance, for the rightly guided republicanism and mass democracy to prevail over the Sultan’s obscurantism and absolutism, who can be deposed by consensus act of the rightly guided steward members of the State Parliament and the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam, in the appointment of appointive government officials, rules of leadership and succession, and the conduct of election for elective National, State, and District officials in the National Parliament.

STATE POLICIES

Section 1. The States shall maintain a policy of National Unity and National Development in line with the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam in all matters pertinent to National Identity as embodied in the SSDI Constitution. Section 2. The Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam shall formulate and adopt its own state policies with respect to Distribution of Wealth among its Hamba Raayat in constituent states: Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, North Borneo, Palawan, and Zambonga Peninsula, while cognizant of policies on National Wealth and Patrimony as provided in the Constitution or Undang Undang of the SSDI that are inviolable. Section 3. Distribution of Wealth. The distribution of wealth within the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam shall be anchored on at least three guiding principles: 1) Principle of Ownership 2) Utilitarian Principle 3) Principle of Distribution.

a. First, Principle of Ownership: That the Almighty Creator is the Absolute Owner of the Earth and that man merely serves as steward or khalifah.Based on said principle and as a matter of policy, the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam shall promulgate, first and foremost, a law declaring all lands as a public land that belongs to the State and People as public trustee or steward.As already provided earlier, absolute ownership belongs to the Almighty Creator who alone determines the criteria of distribution on wealth through His Rightly Guided Steward and Representatives in the state governance.All laws, decrees, or executive order preceding the formation of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam shall be, therefore, repealed and declared null and void, without negating however the inviolable provisions of the SSDI Constitution.Violations, transgression and non-compliance to the new promulgation shall be dealt with accordingly, on the authority of the State and Hamba Raayat and its duly promulgated SSDI Constitution.

b. Second, Utilitarian Principle: That the Almighty Creator provided all bounties for the benefit and utility of all mankind.Based on said principle and as matter of policy, the first and utmost consideration of the State and its Rightly Guided steward and representatives is to look after the benefit and welfare of its Hamba Raayat – mass majority.

c. Third, Principle of Distribution: That it is the bounded duty of man himself as steward or khalifah to distribute and share all bounties with the rest of mankind.Based on said principle and a matter of policy, the first and foremost obligation of governance is for the duly chosen representatives of the Hamba Raayat (masses) and the rightly guided steward (khalifah) to apportion and distribute wealth. Primarily for the general welfare of its Hamba Raayat – mass majority.

Section 4. The Wealth of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam and Territory shall be disposed and distributed, primarily, in accordance with the “Rights of Pusaka” (Rights of Inheritance) of the masses – Hamba Raayat, comprising of all Aborigines (Hinterland and Coastal Dwellers), and as provided in the SSDI Constitution. Section 5. The Distribution of Wealth shall be also based on Adat or Customary Laws and Inherent Rights of the State Nationals over their respective national territory, where it shall and / or may apply.

Section 6. The State or SSDI Constitution shall determine the criteria or qualifications of selecting the rightly guided steward (khalifah) and representatives in state governance and with respect to the Distribution of Wealth in favor of the Hamba Raayat – mass majority. Section 7. The Constitution of the SSDI shall determine its own system of Taxation on Wealth; Land and Property, and all forms of revenues generated through business ventures, domestic (local) and foreign (import-export), and to regulate Balance of Trade, subject however to the provision of the SSDI Constitution. Section 8. At least eighty percent (80%) of the Gross National Product (GNP) or state taxes shall be shared by each member state, while the other twenty percent (20%) by the National Government of the SSDI. Section 9. All laws pertinent to national wealth or bounties shall be repelled by the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam (SSDI) at the time of its promulgation and gross violation or contraventions shall be dealt with accordingly, on the authority of the SSDI Constitution. Section 10. Such legal strategy as the above, by repealing laws that are exploitative and oppressive against the greatest number of inhabitants in the states of SSDI shall pave way for a substantial change and reforms on the Distribution of Wealth in favor of the People – Hamba Raayat and mass majority, without negating pertinent provisions of the SSDI Constitution.

Section 11. The SSDI absolutely prohibits, gambling, prostitution, illegal possession of deadly weapons and firearms, graft and corruption, and illegal drugs.

Section 12. The SSDI prohibits illegal minting of money.

Section 13. The SSDI prohibits terrorism, and all acts against the state such as but not limited to rebellion, sedition, and insurrection.

ARTICLE IV. CITIZENSHIP (HAMBA RAAYAT)

Section 1. The Citizens (Hamba Raayat) of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam shall be comprised of the Buranun, Tagimaha, Baklayas, and Bajaw, as well as all the inhabitants found therein, Borneans, Palawanen, and Zamboanga aborigines, such as Subanen, Kalibugan, Ilianen Meranao – Magindanaw, without prejudice to Zamboangeno, Tagalog and other Filipino lowland and Moro Groups.

THE BURANUN

The Buranun are aborigines of Sulu who originated from Euphrates (Puratun / Buranun) in the Kingdom of Gudaea (Greek-Persian, Hindu-Arab Malay and Sinic origins) and they shall comprise some of the hinterland aborigines and coastal dwellers of Sulu, like Bualu-Maimbung, Patikul, Parang, Pata, and Lugus-Tapul, in the State of Lupah Sug.

THE TAGIMAHA

The Tagimaha are aborigines of Sulu who originated from Basilan, originally Aeta Papuans or Bugis and Dayaks, and they shall comprise some of the Balangingi and Yakan within the territorial integrity of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam, in the State of Basilan.

THE BAKLAYA The Baklaya are aborigines of Sulu who hailed from the Bisayas, originally Butuanon Manobos, Ilianen (Maranao-Magindanaw) and Subanen, and they shall comprise some of the Bisayans within the territorial integrity of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam, in the State of Zamboanga Peninsula.

BAJAW

The Bajaw are aborigines of Sulu who hailed from the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, and they shall comprise the Sea-faring and coastal-dwelling Houseboat People of Sulu and the Land-dwelling Sama of Sulu Archipelago, States of Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga, including North Borneo, and Palawan.

ARTICLE V. THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Section 1. The Official Language of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam shall be the Sulu Language or Bahasa Sug. State Languages may also include Sama and Bisayan, among others. It is the Lingua Franca viz. the language spoken, understandable and intelligible to all, if not most Hamba Raayat, irrespective of geographic origin within the borders of the Sulu Sea.

ARTICLE IV. BILL OF RIGHTS

Section 1. The Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam shall recognize and respect the Rights of the Hamba Raayat as provided for in the Bill of Rights vis-à-vis Human Rights of the Undang Undang of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam. Section 2. The Constitution (Undang Undang) shall at all times recognize and respect the basic and inherent Rights of the Hamba Raayat, in their pursuit for peace and happiness, prosperity and stability, human and personal welfare, well-being, fraternity, justice, liberty and freedom in the exercise of their Right to Worship, the Almighty God. Section 3. Absolutely no Hamba Raayat (Citizen or People) of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam (SSDI) shall be apprehended by any SSDI Authority, at any level or capacity, not even the Sultan or any of the ministers or top officials, without prior notice or summon by proper litigation or accountability for any case being filed before the trial court, criminal, administrative or otherwise, and persecuted or penalized without due process and fair trial by the People’s and / or Shari’ah Court, so that social justice may prevail by the Grace of the Almighty.

ARTICLE V. DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF CITIZENS

Section 1. The Hamba Raayat (Citizens) shall pay homage and respect to the Government of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam by showing allegiance to its Constitution and uphold its laws, rules and regulations. Section 2. The Hamba Raayat shall protect, defend, and secure the territorial integrity of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam by peaceful and legitimate means, and avoid war as an instrument of achieving their political goal and objectives. Section 3. The Hamba Raayat shall 1) register officially as Citizens of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam with the Civil Registry Office and shall 2) secure their Cedula Tax with the Royal Bureau of Internal Revenues, and 3) shall dutifully pay all taxes and financial obligations with the Royal Treasury of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam

ARTICLE VI. POLITICAL PARTIES

Section 1. Indispensible role of political parties. The SSDI shall recognize the role of political parties: Meaningful, responsible and accountable political parties are indispensible in the effective functioning of representative democracy and parliamentary government. As political organizations or institutions, they shall enable their members and the party to select candidates for public office, to mobilize support for their election, to shape and influence public opinion and educate the people politically, and to determine the principles, policies and program that shall guide their members as they and the party seek and exercise governmental power. Party platforms and programs and public morality and ethics are the bases for holding political parties and their members responsible and accountable for their performance in and out of office. Accordingly: 1) Every political party shall be accredited by the SSDI Commission on Political Parties which shall ensure that the political party has duly adopted its program and platform of government before every Mesuarah (Consultative Process vis-à-vis Election) and Jamahariyyah (Republicanism vis-à-vis Parliamentary-Democratic Process) at every level of geographic units, through Kawman (Local Village), Daerah (District / Local Villages) of respective States (Hulah); 2) Political parties shall observe fair, honest, and democratic process in nominating and selecting their party candidates for public office; 3) They shall ensure the integrity, loyalty, and discipline of their members; 4) They shall publicly account for the source and use of their funds and for their assets. Section 2. Promoting the stability of parliamentary government

1) The General and State Parliament shall by law provide the development of a free and open party system in which the political parties may be able to alternate power by obtaining a majority of seats in the State Parliament and National Parliament vis-à-vis General Assembly (Majlis). As an alternative to having a majority political party in the National Parliament vis-a-vis General Assembly (Majlis), a leading political party either institution may form a governing coalition by securing the support of other political parties in the selection vis-à-vis electing the Chief Minister of the State (Hulah) and of the Prime Minister of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam.

2) The State Parliament or National Parliament (General Assembly) shall by law provide assistance to the political parties on the basis of their share of votes in the previous selection / election process.

Section 3. Promoting a competitive, effective, accountable, and stable party system. To strengthen the party system, the State or National Parliament (General Assembly) shall enact a Political Party Development Act, a Campaign Finance Reform Act, Mesuarah (Consultative / Election Process) and Jamahariyyah (Republican / Democratic – Parliamentary Process) Management and Reform Code, and Political Education Act.

ARTICLE VII. THE CONSTITUTIONAL PARLIAMENTARY SULTANATE

Section 1. The Sultan of Sulu shall be the Symbolic and Ceremonial Head of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam, and accorded as such by the Shari’ah and Adat (Customary Laws) of the Sulu People and the Ahli Sunnah wal Jam’ah.

POWER AND AUTHORITY

Section 2. The Sultan of Sulu shall be the highest appointing official of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam. Section 3. As such, the Sultan of Sulu shall receive, approve and sign all appointments of SSDI officials: The Prime Minister (Wazir), Deputy Prime Minister (Timbangan Wazir), all Cabinet Ministers (Mantiri), Chief Minister (Raja Bandahara), State Ministers, District Governors (Panglima) and Officials, Maharaja (Supreme Chieftains), and Raja Seri Paduka / Parukka (Village Chieftains).

SELECTION OF SULTAN

Section 4. The Sultan of Sulu shall be chosen from among the duly accredited and recognized members of the “Royal Houses” of the Sultanate of Sulu through the Mesuarah (Consensus) of Rumah Bichara (Legislative Assembly), with the concurrence of the General Assembly (Majlis Parmesuaratan) / National Parliament of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam, based on the following criteria:

a) Heir Apparent, as Raja Muda by seniorityb) Heir Apparent, as Proclaimed Sultan of duly recognized and accredited Royal Housec) Nomination by the Rumah Bichara and / or General Assembly (Majlis Parmesuaratan)d) Qualified as Sultan of Sulu by Legitimate Right, Validity, and Competence

(Learned/educated, Charismatic, Affluent, and Chivalrous)

TENURE OF SULTAN

Section 5. The Sultan of Sulu shall reign for a term of 10 years.

Section 6. The Sultan of Sulu shall be rotated among the duly recognized and accredited Sultan of the Royal Houses, on a round robin scheme among Heirs and Claimants / Descendants, each

Royal House for a term of five years and / or to be later fixed by the Rumah Bichara in concurrence with the General Assembly (Majlis)

ARTICLE VIII. PRIME MINISTER, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER, CABINET MINISTERS,

AND THE GOVERNMENT

PRIME MINISTER (WAZIR)

Section 1. The Prime Minister (Wazir) shall be the Head of Government of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam. Section 2. He shall perform all the powers and authority that are inherent in his appointment as Head of the Government of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam. Section 3. He shall be selected upon nomination and Mesuarah (Consultation) by the General Assembly (Majlis), with consensus of all (or at least 2 / 3 of Regular Members present and voting in case of rejection by silent majority), before approval and appointment by the Sultan of Sulu. Section 4. He shall serve for a term of five (5) years.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER (TIMBANGAN WAZIR)

Section 1. The Deputy Prime Minister (Timbangan Wazir) shall be mandated under this Constitution to take over as Prime Minister, in case of inability and vacancy and for other reasons that the later is unable to perform, execute and implement policies and programs as Head of Government of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam. Section 2. The Deputy Prime Minister shall, in a concurrent capacity, serve as Minister in any of the Cabinet Ministries in addition to his functions, duties, and responsibility inherent in his appointment. Section 3. He shall be selected upon nomination and Mesuarah (Consultation) by the General Assembly (Majlis), with consensus of all (or at least 2 / 3 of all Regular Members present and voting in case of disapproval by silent minority), before approval and appointment by the Sultan of Sulu. Section 4. He shall serve for a term of five (5) years.

CABINET MINISTERS (MANTIRI)

Section 5. The Government of the Sultanate of Sulu (SSDI) shall be comprised of National Cabinet Ministers. Section 6. The National Cabinet Ministries shall be comprised of various Ministries created under the Provision of the Undang Undang of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam, namely: Ministry of Defense; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Women and Family Affairs; Ministry Commission on Civil Registry; Chief Ministry of Public Services and Sultanate Administration; Ministry of Islamic and other Religious Affairs; Ministry of Finance, Tax and Banking; Ministry

of Youth and Sports; Ministry of Transportation; Ministry of Communication and Information Technology; Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources; Ministry of Heritage, Culture and Arts; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Energy; Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Fisheries; Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Works; Ministry of Social Services and Housing; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Trade and Industry; Ministry of Home Security Protection; Executive Ministry under the Sultan; Ministry of Budget; Ministry General on Economic Planning and Development Authority; Ministry of Labor and Employment; Ministry of Cooperative Development; Ministry of Local Government Affairs; Ministry of Tourism; Ministry of Coconut; Ministry of Irrigation; Ministry Commission on Human Rights; Ministry Commission on Ashura and Local Election; Ministry Sultanate Police Commission Section 7. The Cabinet Ministers shall be selected upon nomination and Mesuarah (Consultation) by the General Assembly (Majlis), with consensus of all (or at least 2 / 3 of Regular Members present and voting, in case of disapproval by silent majprity). Section 8. All Cabinet Ministers shall serve for a term of five (5) years and co-terminus with the reigning Sulu Sultan.

ARTICLE IX. THE STATE CHIEF MINISTER (RAJA BANDAHARA),STATE CABINET MINISTERS (MANTIRI),AND STATE GOVERNMENT (PARINTA)

CHIEF MINISTER (RAJA BANDAHARA)

Section 1. The Chief Minister shall be the Head of each and every State of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam.

a. There shall be a Chief Minister for the State of Sulu b. There shall be a Chief Minister for the State of Tawi-Tawic. There shall be a Chief Minister for the State of Basiland. There shall be a Chief Minister for the State of North Borneoe. There shall be a Chief Minister for the State of Palawanf. There shall be a Chief Minister for the State of Zamboanga Peninsulag. There shall be a Chief Minister for newly created States by historic and legitimate right, by

federation or by Law and this SSDI Constitution.h. The Chief Minister for State shall be chosen through the parliamentary and democratic

process of Mesuarah (Consultation), with consensus and endorsement (with at least 2 / 3 of votes in case of disapproval by silent majority) by the State Assembly (Majlis) of District Governors (Panglima), State Parliament (State Rumah Bichara), and State Judiciary (Rumah Hakam) for approval and appointment by the Sultan of Sulu.

STATE CABINET MINISTERS (MANTIRI)

Section 2. The State (Hulah) shall be comprised of State Cabinet Ministers

a. There shall be State Cabinet Ministers in each and every State of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam patterned after the National Cabinet Ministries.

b. The State Cabinet Ministers shall be chosen according to the scheme similar to the National Cabinet Ministers vis-a-vis parliamentary process, consultation or consensus.

ARTICLE X. THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR (PANGLIMA), DISTRICT OFFICIALS (NAKURA DAERAH), AND DISTRICT GOVERNANCE (PARINTA DAERAH)

DISTRICT GOVERNOR (PANGLIMA)

Section 1. The District Governor (Panglima) shall be the Head of State Districts (Daerah)a. There shall be a District Governor (Panglima) in each and every Daerah (District) of the

State (Hulah)b. The District Governor for Daerah shall be chosen through the parliamentary and

democratic process of Mesuarah (Consultation) vis-à-vis Jamahariyyah (District People’s Congress) in the District Assembly (District Majlis), with at least 2 / 3 all Regular Members voting, in case of election) for endorsement, approval and appointment by the Sultan of Sulu.

c. The District Assembly (District Majlis) shall be composed of all Maharaja (Super Chieftains) and Raja Seri Paduka / Parukka (Village Chieftains) in each, and District Judiciary (Rumah Hakam).

DISTRICT OFFICIALS

Section 2. The State Districts shall be comprised of the State District Officials.a. There shall be District Officials in each and every Daerah of the State (Hulah)b. District officials shall be comprised of Panglima, Maharaja, and Raja Seri Paduka /

Parukkac. Like the Panglima, Maharaja and Raja Seri Paduka / Parukka shall be likewise chosen

through the parliamentary and democratic process of Mesuarah (Consultation) in the Kawman (Local Groups / Villages), with at least 3 /4 of Regular Members voting, in case of election, for approval and appointment by the Sultan or his duly authorized Royal Officials.

d. District Officials shall serve for a term of five (5) years.

ARTICLE XI. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY / NATIONAL PARLIAMENT

GENERAL ASSEMBLY / NATIONAL PARLIAMENT

Section 1. The General Assembly shall be comprised of all SSDI Officials in the National Level: The Rumah Nakura (Executive Branch) and National Ministers, Rumah Bichara (National Legislative Assembly), Rumah Hakam (The Judiciary), State Officials: The Chief Minister and State Cabinet Officials, District Officials: The District Governors (Panglima), Maharaja (Supreme Chieftains) and Raja Seri Paduka / Parakka (Local Village Chieftains) of all Kawman. Section 2. The Rumah Nakura (Executive Branch) shall be comprised of the Sultan, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chief Ministers of the States. Section 3. The Rumah Bichara (Legislative Assembly) shall be comprised of the Royal Chamber: twenty-four (24) Royal Members (RM), two (2) from each and every accredited / recognized Royal Family and twelve (12) Members of Parliament (MP), two (2) from each and every State Section 4. The number and composition of the Rumah Bichara shall be determined by the Act of General Assembly / National Parliament. Section 5. The Rumah Hakam (The Judiciary) shall be comprised of the Chief Justice of Shari’ah Court and twelve (12) Members of National Board of Associate Justices, and the State Chief Justices.

Section 6. The number and composition of the Rumah Hakam shall be determined by the Act of General Assembly / National Parliament.

ACT OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Section 7. The Legislative Act of General Assembly / National Parliament, formulation of laws, rules, and regulations shall observe and abide by the parliamentary and democratic process of Mesuarah (Consultation) for endorsement and approval by the Sultan of Sulu.

ROYAL CODE OF MESUARAH

Section 8. The Royal Code of Mesuarah (Consultation) vis-à-vis Jamahariyyah (People’s Congress, Republican) shall be codified and enacted by Law. Section 9. All Members of the General Assembly / Members of Parliament (MP), to be determined by the Royal Code of Mesuarah, shall be entitled to one representation (vote) in the consensus of the majority, by at least 2 / 3 of Members of Parliament (MP) en banc (in attendance) and in qurom, by at least 2 / 3 of all eligible and qualified Members of the Parliament (MP).

ARTICLE XII. THE STATE ASSEMBLY / STATE PARLIAMENT

STATE ASSEMBLY / PARLIAMENT

Section 1. The State Assembly shall be comprised of all State Officials: The Chief Minister and State Cabinet Official, District Officials: The District Governors (Panglima), Maharaja (Supreme Chieftain) and Raja Seri Paduka / Parukka (Local Village Chieftains).

ACT OF STATE ASSEMBLY

Section 2. The Legislative Act of State Assembly / State Parliament, formulation of rules, laws, and regulations shall observe and abide by the parliamentary and democratic process of State Mesuarah (Consultation) and State Jamahariyyah (State Congress) for endorsement and approval by the Sultan of Sulu.

ARTICLE XIII. THE NATIONAL, STATE AND DISTRICT JUDICIARY

Section 1. The National Rumah Hakam shall be comprised of National Shari’ah Court: The Chief Justice and Associate Justice of Supreme Shari’ah Court. Section 2.The State Judiciary shall be comprised of State Shari’ah Court: The Judge and State Shari’ah Board.. Section 3. The District Judiciary shall be comprised of District Shari’ah Court: The Judge and District Shari’ah Board. Section 4. All legal matters, cases, trials, litigation, shall be filed with the District Shari’ah Court, then elevated to the State Shari’ah Court, and finally, to the Supreme Shari’ah Court. Section 5. The National, State, and District Judiciary shall serve for a term of four (4) years co-terminus with all other SSDI Officials.

ARTICLE XIV. CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSION

Section 1. There shall be a permanent and Constitutional Royal Commission for Efficient and Effective Sultanate Governance; a permanent and Constitutional Royal Commission for Mesuarah (Parliamentary Democratic Consultation) and / or Jamahariyyah (People’s Congress and Republicanism); a permanent and Constitutional Royal Commission for Political Parties; a permanent and Constitutional Royal Commission on Revenue Generation; a permanent and Constitutional Royal Commission of Culture and the Arts; a permanent and Constitutional Royal Commission for the Preservation, Cultivation, and Promotion of Sulu Language (Bahasa Sug); a permanent and Constitutional Royal Commission on Sulu (Tau Sug) Nationality; a permanent and Constitutional Royal Commission on Strategic Planning, National Defense and Security; a permanent and Constitutional SSDI Royal Development Authority; and other Constitutional Royal Commission, Agencies / Bodies and Entities that shall be created by exigency as the need arises.

ARTICLE XV. TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

This (Draft Proposal of the) Constitution of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam shall (was) presented, deliberated, and ratified by democratic parliamentary process of Mesuarah (Consultation) during the General Assembly (Majlis), with 2 / 3 of all the Members of the General Assembly present, on April 17-19, 2011, in Bongao, State of Tawi-Tawi. This (proposed Draft) Constitution, English Version, shall be (was) submitted on consensus of the General Assembly for acceptance and approval by the Sultan of Sulu Darul Islam. The Bahasa Sug Version of this Constitution (Undang Undang) of the Sultanate of Sulu Darul Islam shall prevail over the English Version, in case of controversy over interpretation and / or applications in the provisions of this Constitution. This (Draft) Constitution shall take (took effect) effect immediately upon Ratification by the Hamba Raayat General Assembly and / or Approval of the Sultan of Sulu Darul Islam. This Constitution may be amended upon request by the Royal Commission on the Framing of SSDI Constitution created for that purpose and ratified by 2 / 3 of all Members of the General Assembly present for that purpose for approval by the Sultan.

Prepared by The Royal Commission on the Framing of the SSDI Constitution

Name Signature

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SIGNATORIES

Name and Signature Position Approved Disapproved

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2.

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6.

7.

8.

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10

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13.

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30.Name and Signature Position Approved Disapproved

31.

32.

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36,

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38.

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42,

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59

Name and Signature Position Approved Disapproved

60.

61.

62.

63.

64.

65.

66.

67.

68.

69.

69.

70.

71.

72.

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84

85.

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87.

88.

Name and Signature Position Approved Disapproved

89.

90.

91.

92.

93.

94.

95.

96.

97.

98.

99.

100.

(Kindly attach additional sheets for more signatories)