KOTA KINABALU, June 28 — The close cooperation and determined efforts of all parties involved in fighting the Sulu claims on Malaysia have produced a very meaningful victory for the people of Sabah, according to leaders in the state.
They described The Hague Court of Appeal’s decision rejecting the Sulu claims as a major milestone in Malaysia’s struggle to protect its rights and sovereignty.
Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah president Datuk Arthur Kurup said the ruling indirectly showed the Sulu group’s claims were baseless and malicious towards Sabah and Malaysia.
The Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister said no sovereign countries should be trapped by an abuse of the international arbitration process, as perpetrated by the eight Sulu claimants in several European countries.
"I believe the struggle to defend Sabah’s sovereignty was not easy, but with the unity, close cooperation and determined efforts shown by all parties, we have achieved a very meaningful result for the people of Sabah.
“The government’s strong efforts, especially through the Special Sulu Secretariat, should be supported by all regardless of their political background and leaning because it involves the country’s sovereignty,” he said in a statement today.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced The Hague Court of Appeal’s decision rejecting the Sulu group’s bid to recognise and enforce the final arbitral award of US$14.9 billion (RM62.59 billion) in the Netherlands.
Parti Warisan (Warisan) president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the Dutch court ruling was crucial to ensure that no further claims on this issue by any quarters would be entertained by any court or government, whether in Europe or other parts of the world.
"The claims by the purported Sulu heirs have haunted Sabah people for years and the latest development has not only brought relief but also emphasised that their claims are baseless,” he said.
The Semporna MP said Warisan will fight any attempts to violate the country’s sovereignty, and fully support efforts to protect the sovereignty, security and interests of Sabah and Malaysia.
Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee said Malaysia’s latest success in this Sulu episode had dealt a blow to the claimants and those supporting their action.
The former Sabah Chief Minister said to put an end to the issue of claims on Sabah, the Malaysian government should hold further discussions with the Philippines to realise the establishment of a Philippine consulate in Sabah.
“By setting up a Philippine consulate in Sabah, the Philippines will inform its own people in the Philippines to forget about their fantasy claims on Sabah. Sabah was never owned or ruled by Sulu or the Philippines at any point of time in history,” he said.
Sabah Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the victory proved that the government had succeeded in defending the rights, property and sovereignty of the country and that the Sulu claims were baseless and could not be entertained.
"Malaysia’s victory can mark the end of efforts by irresponsible parties trying to rob the country and undermine its sovereignty. This win is especially felt by the people of Sabah, who have been haunted by the claims to the extent that certain quarters alleged this case was politicised and became a hot issue in elections,” said the Kinabatangan MP.
United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation secretary-general Nelson W Angang said the victory was a costly experience for Malaysia to strengthen efforts to defend the country’s sovereignty.
— Bernama
