KL rejects bid by Duterte to lay claim to Sabah

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia said on Friday (May 27) that it would not recognise any territorial claims by other nations on Sabah, in response to Filipino President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s announcement that he plans to pursue the Philippines’ claim on the state.

“The government of Malaysia reiterates its position that Malaysia does not recognise and will not entertain any claims by any party on Sabah,” said a statement from Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday. 

“Sabah is recognised by the United Nations and the international community as part of Malaysia since the formation of the Federation on Sept 16, 1963.”

Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman said yesterday the state will continue to be a part of Malaysia.

“Let me clearly state that Sabah is in Malaysia and has chosen to be and will continue to be a part of this sovereign nation since its formation,” he said in a statement. 

“Our allegiance is to the Malaysian flag. The claim is irrelevant.” 

Mr Duterte was quoted by Philippines media as saying on Thursday that his administration will assert the claim of the Sulu sultanate, whose leaders are now citizens of the Philippines.

“What has been the policy will ­always be the policy of the government, especially those for the interest of the country. We have to stake our claim,” the Philippine Star quoted him as saying. He said his administration recognises Sabah as Sulu sultanate territory that is being claimed by the Kiram clan.

The clan was behind the 2013 invasion of Lahad Datu, a town in Sabah in which forces of the self-styled Sulu Sultan launched an incursion in a bid to press his claimed ownership of the state. 

The sultans of Sulu once ruled over both Sabah and the Sulu islands in southern Philippines.

“We are allowing proprietary heirs to talk (with Malaysia). Since it is part of our claim, it will be there as our land,” Mr Duterte was quoted by the Manila Bulletin as saying. AGENCIES