KOTA KINABALU – Sabah is urging the global community to reject the claims by the heirs of the defunct Sulu sultanate amid an arbitration wrangle brought by the former royal household to seize Malaysian assets abroad.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the unfounded claims brought by the so-called heirs posed a threat not only to Malaysia but also to international order.
“The international community has been pivotal in supporting Malaysia’s position on this matter.
“We are grateful for the solidarity expressed by our friends and allies, who understand the importance of upholding the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.
Hajiji was speaking in his keynote address at the International Arbitration Colloquium 2023 themed “State Sovereignty and Immunity in Commercial Arbitration” at the Sabah International Convention Centre here today.
Hajiji said the people of Sabah are clear on their conviction to remain an integral part of Malaysia and resolved to go against the Sulu heirs’ bid.
He reiterated that the Sabah government firmly rejects the so-called “Final Award” issued by Gonzalo Stampa on February 28, 2022, and does not recognise its legitimacy.
“By standing united, we can ensure that our future generations will inherit a nation that cherishes its diversity, respects its history, and upholds the principles of peace and stability.
“Together, we will prevail so that we may continue to build a brighter future for Sabah and our people,” he said.
The recent decisions at the Paris Court of Appeal in France and at the Hague Court of Appeal, Netherlands are testaments to the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Sabah’s rights, integrity and sovereignty, said Hajiji.
He also expressed confidence in the federal government and the legal team to counter the Sulu heirs’ claims and the false narratives spread by them.
The heirs of the Sulu sultanate took legal action in a Spanish court to seek compensation for land in Sabah, which purportedly had been leased by their ancestors to a British trading company in 1878.
Hajiji said the state will continue to work closely with the central government to put an end to the matter.
He highlighted the collective efforts of esteemed organisations such as the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department, the Asian International Arbitration Centre, the Institute for Development Studies, Sabah, and the Sabah Law Society together with independent history experts in assisting the state government in navigating this complex legal landscape.
“Their involvement demonstrates the collective determination to address this issue comprehensively and with utmost professionalism.
“Through these channels, we are pooling our resources, knowledge, and legal acumen to mount a robust defence against the baseless claims.
“We are engaging in thorough historical records, international treaties, extensive research, analysis, and strategic planning to strengthen our position and present a compelling case that upholds the sovereignty and immunity of Sabah,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to the research and legal teams for having tirelessly fought to safeguard Sabah and the country’s interests and debunk these baseless claims, he said their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in securing this victory for Sabah.
Also present were Dewan Negara Speaker Tan Sri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman via Zoom from Tokyo, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs & Special Functions) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim Yahya, State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, and State Attorney-General Datuk Nor Asiah Mohd Yusof, among others. – The Vibes, July 4, 2023
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