Wisma Putra bins Sabah rep’s claims of oil-rich Ambalat given to Indonesia

KUALA LUMPUR – Wisma Putra has rubbished a Sabah state lawmaker’s claim that the federal government has handed the oil-rich Ambalat block located in the Sulawesi Sea to Indonesia. 

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin today took aim at Tungku assemblyman Assafal Alian who made the claim during the state assembly sitting on August 10. 

He said the assertion made by the Sabah opposition member was slanderous, misleading, highly irresponsible and could cause distress to the people. 

“The matter has been explained multiple times – Malaysia and Indonesia have already concluded agreements regarding the maritime boundaries involving the territories for both countries. 

“I want to state that in the Sulawesi Sea treaty signed by Malaysia and Indonesia, it only involves maritime territory and does not encompass the area referred to as Ambalat, or exceed the 200 nautical miles claimed as the Exclusive Economic Zone,” he said at a press conference here yesterday evening. 

Further commenting, Mohamad stated that negotiations regarding the maritime borders of the country were negotiated and signed on June 8 during the joint visit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, along with the Sabah government. 

Alamin emphasised that the Sabah government is well aware of the Sulawesi Sea treaty negotiated and signed with Indonesia. 

“So I urge all parties not to make statements that mislead the public and potentially spread slander. Do not add non-existent elements that could cause public concerns. 

“The Tungku assemblyman should be held responsible for his far-fetched statements, as we have not yet negotiated the area referred to as Ambalat,” he said. 

He stated that the government is always cautious and careful in any matters involving maritime boundaries, especially those based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. 

“As a Sabah MP, I am affected by such statements. The Tungku assemblyman should have obtained accurate information before making any statements. 

“Although this statement is now circulating on social media since it was made in the legislative assembly, I leave it to the discretion of assemblymen and the assembly speaker (to take action)," he said. 

Asked whether the government will declassify the Sulawesi Sea treaty documents, Mohamad said that it cannot be disclosed at this time. 

“It is still in a stage where it cannot be disclosed as the Indonesian side has not ratified it in their Parliament,” he said. 

Towards this end, Mohamad has urged Assafal to correct his statement, saying he should be more responsible when making such statements and adding that the state legislative assembly has the authority to take action against him for misleading the august house. 

Previously, Assaffal on August 10 claimed that the federal government made a decision on behalf of the Sabah government to hand over the Ambalat border to Indonesia. – The Vibes, August 16, 2023