The purpose and aim of this study is to offer a hitherto lacking perspective on the Sulu Archipelago’s history during the early years of American colonial rule – that of the native Sulu Sultan. Existing research, albeit new, tends to favour a U.S centred view. With concurrences as a theoretical framework and a theoretical understanding of the social and political power dynamics in the Sultanate, this study aims to challenge that perspective by examining the last Sultan of Sulu, Jamalul Kiram II’s agency and room for manoeuvre in relation to the bilateral Kiram-Bates treaty between the Sultanate of Sulu in the southern Philippines and the United States, represented by Colonel John C. Bates. Through a qualitative analysis of letters, official documents and a memoire originating from, or regarding, the time period, this study indicates that the Sultan’s agency and room for manoeuvre in relation to the Kiram-Bates treaty has been overlooked by scholars, and his position somewhat poorly understood. The Sultan did not simply sign the treaty according to American wishes. He negotiated terms, and influenced the outcome of above all the signing, and he at least reacted to and navigated the abrogation of the agreement in a way that has not been sufficiently described before. These findings prompt further research from a concurrences perspective to more thoroughly understand the history, and perhaps even the contemporary state, of the Sulu Archipelago and the Sulu Sultanate.

這份研究將探討蘇祿蘇丹國是如何成為大馬來世界的一份子，以及菲律賓索回沙巴的主張. 菲律賓是蘇祿蘇丹政治主權的繼任者。本研究主要探討菲律賓索回沙巴州的歷史和法律依據。 歷史紀錄指出，這塊有爭議的土地曾屬於蘇祿蘇丹租借給一間英國特許公司的創辦者。之後由英國王室所保護的這塊土地後來成為英國兼併馬來西亞和殖民的基礎。最終，沙巴被納入馬來西亞聯邦。 / The recent incident where followers of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III landed in Lahad Datu Village in Sabah, Malaysia to assert the pending Philippine territorial claim has sparked one of the biggest security threats in the region. The dispute has disrupted the diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the Philippines, both being members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This study argues that the settlement to the dispute depends on whether the Philippines has a legal and valid claim according to the principles of international law. Similarly, the issue can also be resolved with recourse to a regional agency like ASEAN. Additionally, it is essential that an unbiased analysis of Malaysia’s argument be undertaken based on international law. Peaceful methods of settlement should be the goal for both states. Stability and security are a prerequisite for development; therefore, a peaceful environment will provide a proper setting for sustainable economic growth.