Hands off Sabah: Sovereignty is not up for negotiations

 

MCA Sabah is deeply concerned by remarks made by Philippine columnist Alex Magno in The Philippine Star, in which Sabah’s long-settled status was referenced in the context of the South China Sea dispute.

While the article primarily discussed the Philippines’ diplomatic strategy in the South China Sea, it also revisited the Sabah claim. MCA Sabah believes such references are unhelpful and risk undermining regional goodwill and mutual respect among ASEAN member states.

Let us be clear: Malaysia’s sovereignty over Sabah is indisputable and non-negotiable

Sabah became part of the Federation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963 through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

This historic process was supported by a United Nations-facilitated assessment of public opinion overseen by then UN Secretary-General U Thant, which affirmed the wishes of the people of Sabah to form Malaysia.

For more than six decades, Sabah has been an integral part of Malaysia, governed through its own state institutions and represented by democratically elected leaders at both state and federal levels. The will of the people has long been established, and Sabah’s place within Malaysia is a settled matter.

MCA Sabah therefore rejects any attempt to revive or legitimise territorial claims over Sabah through diplomatic submissions, historical interpretations or technical manoeuvres.

We note with concern that the Philippines, in its submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), reportedly invoked baselines linked to Sabah as part of its maritime claims.

The Malaysian government has rightly lodged a formal protest through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, reaffirming Malaysia’s position on the matter.

Sabah’s sovereignty must never be obscured under the guise of historical claims or quiet diplomacy. Respect for internationally recognised borders and national sovereignty remains a fundamental principle of regional stability.

At the same time, MCA Sabah believes disputes and differences should be managed through dialogue, diplomacy and mutual respect. ASEAN has long demonstrated that cooperation and engagement are more effective than confrontation in preserving peace and stability.

We therefore encourage ASEAN member states to continue working towards the effective implementation of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), while strengthening confidence-building measures and regional cooperation.

Malaysia and the Philippines share longstanding ties as ASEAN partners. We value that relationship and remain committed to constructive engagement. However, good bilateral relations must be built upon mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

MCA Sabah calls on the Philippines to respect historical and legal realities, refrain from actions that may cast doubt on Sabah’s status, and work together with Malaysia to strengthen regional trust and stability.

To all Sabahans, MCA Sabah reaffirms this simple and unwavering position: Sabah is, and will always remain, an integral part of Malaysia.

Datuk Teah Heok Kuin is the MCA Sabah chairman.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of  MMKtT.

- Focus Malaysia