ON SITE. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak visited Lahud Datu to inspect the security operations against Kiram's men. Photo from Najib's account on Instragram

MANILA, Philippines - The status of Sabah is not open to discussion and the region will continue to be a state within the Federation of Malaysia, Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Thursday, March 7.

"The question of Sabah within Malaysia should not be disputed by anyone. Let not anyone underestimate Malaysia's commitment to have Sabah within Malaysia forever. No one can dispute this, from within and outside the country,"

Najib told a press conference, according to a report by state news agency Bernama.

The Malaysian leader on Thursday visiting Lahud Datu, where the security forces are hunting down the remnants of the group of Filipinos engaged in a standoff there for 3 weeks to assert their historical claim over the territory.

After the visit, Najib tweeted about the situation:

Saya bangga dengan kejayaan operasi bersepadu polis dan tentera diLahad Datu. Syabas dan tahniah! Moga Allah melindungi mereka.

— Mohd Najib Tun Razak (@NajibRazak) March 7, 2013

(I am proud of the success of the military and police joint operation in Lahad Datu. Well done and congratulations! May Allah protect them.)

At least 60 people -- 52 Filipinos and 8 local police officers - have died in clashes since last Friday.

Self-proclaimed Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III on Thursday announced a unilateral ceasefire, but this was rejected by Malaysia, which insisted the "intruders" must surrender unconditionally. - with reports from Carlos Santamaria/Rappler.com