Govt issues strongly worded diplomatic protest over sovereignty claims

THE government has issued a strongly worded diplomatic protest to a foreign country over what it described as an unfounded claim to part of its territory, with the government insisting that the matter had long been settled under international law and recognised by the United Nations.

Without identifying the country concerned, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia had rejected the claim outright, stressing that the territory's status had been determined through a referendum conducted by its residents and subsequently endorsed by the international community.

"I, as Foreign Minister, sometimes have to engage in disagreements. Recently, I sent a very strong diplomatic note to the country concerned because it claimed that an area within our country belongs to them.

"They do not realise that a referendum was held by the people of that territory, which was recognised by the United Nations (UN), and a UN Security Council resolution approved the decision of the people of that territory to join us.

"So, there is no longer any basis to claim that the territory belongs to them," he said while speaking at the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) Personnel Wellbeing Programme and Sendayan Air Base Family Day Carnival on Sunday.

Mohamad said the Malaysian Armed Forces must continue safeguarding the nation's territory and sovereign rights against any external threats.

"Defend our territory and our sovereign rights to the very last drop of blood because that is the dignity of our nation and our country, God willing," he said.

The minister also highlighted the government's continued efforts to strengthen national defence, particularly in the South China Sea, through enhanced surveillance capabilities and strategic assets.

"That is why I requested the most advanced radar system to be installed on Layang-Layang Island because without clear eyes in that area, it is difficult for us to operate.

"Thank God, our unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have arrived. They are also extremely important assets for monitoring our territory," he said. - July 19, 2026