KOTA KINABALU – Bersatu vice president Datuk Ronald Kiandee has urged Putrajaya to declassify the two treaties signed with Indonesia on June 8 that demarcated parts of the maritime boundaries between the two countries.
Such a move will allay public concerns – especially in Sabah – over the Sulawesi Sea Treaty and the impact on the Ambalat block (ND 6 and 7), he said.
The disputed 15,000sqkm area off the coast of Sabah contains the world’s largest crude oil reserves and has been defended under Malaysian sovereignty for a long time, Datuk Kiandee stressed.
“It cannot be compromised in any way,” he emphasised.
Maritime experts focused on protecting Malaysia’s territorial rights have also warned Putrajaya not to sign any new agreements over the ongoing border disputes with Indonesia.
They have stated that Malaysia should not back down on claims to specific areas.
“We cannot compromise or negotiate our nation’s sovereignty, especially in the waters of Sabah,” Kiandee said.
This is because the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and rights over the continental shelf are also at stake.
“It is crucial to disclose what was sealed in the agreement to put an end to prolonged speculation. It will provide clear evidence that the agreement does not directly involve the areas referred to by Malaysia as Block ND6 and Block ND7 or Ambalat.”
Kiandee said the matter has gained fresh urgency since the media has now reported that Malaysia and Indonesia will collaborate in the exploration of oil and gas resources in the Ambalat block. This was recently announced by Indonesian Oil and Gas Director-General Tutuka Ariadji.
The Ambalat block issue came into the public eye when Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin rubbished Tungku assemblyman Assafal Alian’s statement claiming that the federal government has handed oil-rich Ambalat to Indonesia. The block is located south of Tawau in the Sulawesi Sea.
Assafal also claimed that the Sabah government allowed the federal government to override the state in the decision-making process over the Ambalat block.
Alamin dismissed the Sabah representative’s statement in the state legislative assembly as slanderous, misleading and highly irresponsible.
He added that the Ambalat block issue is still a matter being discussed between Malaysia and Indonesia.
SAPP president Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee has also urged Wisma Putra to engage Sabah leaders regarding the Sulawesi treaty and address concerns among Sabahans over the disputed waters.
Meanwhile, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the state government is now considering action against Assafal over his statement on the Ambalat block.
“The Ambalat issue is still being discussed and this has been stated by the prime minister.
“The accusation by the Tungku assemblyman has no basis. We will see if we need to take action (against Assaffal). We can’t mislead the people or the state, this is a sensitive matter,” he added. – The Vibes, August 21, 2023
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