A PROPOSED joint development initiative between Malaysia and Indonesia in the Sulawesi Sea remains at a preliminary stage and is far from finalised, the Foreign Ministry has confirmed, emphasising that the ongoing talks do not compromise Malaysia’s maritime claims or the interests of eastern Sabah.
“There is no issue at present concerning the possibility of a joint development, as the proposal has not yet commenced,” said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan in a written parliamentary reply published on the official Parliament website.
The response was made to a query from Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandi (BN–Kalabakan), who had sought assurances that such discussions would not affect Malaysia’s maritime boundaries or Sabah’s strategic interests.
Mohamad assured that the government conducts thorough, cautious and holistic evaluations before making any decisions on potential cooperation.
“In making any decisions, the government always undertakes comprehensive assessments regarding any proposed solution, including economic cooperation, to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes for both parties,” he stated.
He also stressed that the views and stance of the Sabah state government are taken seriously.
“In this regard, the views and position of the Sabah government are given serious consideration to ensure Malaysia’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and national interests are preserved,” he said.
On the issue of maritime boundaries, Mohamad explained that discussions with Indonesia are being handled in accordance with legal and technical principles, and in close consultation with Sabah.
“The Federal Government continues to work closely with the Sabah government throughout the negotiation process. Sabah representatives are also included in relevant meetings and technical maritime boundary discussions between Malaysia and Indonesia,” he noted.
He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to resolving the matter through existing mechanisms, without compromising the nation's territorial integrity.
“The government remains committed to refining and reaching consensus on this matter through the existing negotiation mechanism and ensuring that the country’s sovereignty and interests, including those of Sabah, are consistently defended.”
Responding to questions surrounding Indonesia’s reference to the contested area as “Ambalat”, Mohamad clarified that Malaysia maintains the position that the ND6 and ND7 blocks, located in the Sulawesi Sea, fall under Malaysian sovereignty.
“Malaysia’s position is that Blocks ND6 and ND7 lie within the sovereign territory and sovereign rights of Malaysia in accordance with international law, and consistent with the International Court of Justice’s decision in 2002,” he said.
“Therefore, the correct reference, in line with Malaysia’s position, is the Sulawesi Sea, not ‘Ambalat’,” he added.
This position, he said, had already been explained during the Oral Question session in Parliament and reiterated in a press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 5 August.
“In resolving maritime delimitation issues, claimant states consistently seek solutions that can benefit both countries,” Mohamad added. - August 15, 2025
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