PARLIAMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today said there has been no evidence to link the Philippines government to claims on Sabah made by eight individuals alleging to be heirs of the defunct Sulu sultanate.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar once again reaffirmed Malaysia's stand to not compromise against any claims made on Sabah.
"I would like to state here, there is no evidence of interference by the Philippines government in the issue of claims made on Sabah," said Anwar, who delivered a special briefing on the issue today.
Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) however pointed out that the Philippines has so far refused to drop their claims on Sabah, evident in a refusal to set up their consulate in the state.
Anwar, in response, said he held two meetings with Philippines President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr where he had reiterated Malaysia's stand on Sabah's status as a sovereign state.
"The issue raised was on claims by the Philippines' government. Our stand remains firm, and they know that.
"We maintain good bilateral relations. Even though the claims remain, it does not in any way affect Sabah's interest as a sovereign territory together with Malaysia.
"I would like to give my reassurance, this is an issue of the country's sovereignty.
"We have and we will continue to take all action deemed necessary (on related matters)," he added.
Speaker allows debates
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul, who presided over the sitting, initially said there will be no debates on Anwar's briefing.
However, he allowed two other Sabah MPs - Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Semporna) and Isnaraissah Munirah Majelis (Warisan-Kota Belud) - to interject Anwar.
Isnaraissah recounted how she was served with a two-day suspension when she objected to then Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Azizan Harun's ruling to block debates on the seizure of Petronas assets by the purported heirs of the Sulu sultanate.
"I'm not against anyone in this room but I want us as Malaysians to be united (on this issue)," she said.
On June 7, the Paris Court of Appeal upheld Malaysia’s challenge against the partial award rendered on May 25, 2020, by Gonzalo Stampa in the case filed by eight citizens of the Philippines, who are purported heirs of the long-defunct Sulu sultanate. - Mkini
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