The opposition has renewed its demand for the federal government to provide a formal explanation in Parliament over allegations that 5,207 hectares of land were handed over to Indonesia as compensation involving three villages in the Nunukan region near the Sabah–Kalimantan border.
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said on February 2, 2026, that the matter should be addressed openly in Parliament, stressing that the issue carries serious implications for national sovereignty. He argued that a clear explanation was necessary to prevent confusion and speculation, especially after the claim was reportedly raised during an official meeting in Indonesia.
Hamzah noted that the allegation was reportedly disclosed by the Secretary of Indonesia’s Border Management Agency during a session of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives on January 21, 2026. Given the official nature of the forum in which the issue was mentioned, he said the Malaysian government owed Parliament and the public a transparent account of the situation.
He questioned the reluctance to bring the matter before lawmakers, maintaining that a parliamentary briefing would be the most appropriate platform to clarify facts, correct inaccuracies if any, and reaffirm Malaysia’s position. According to him, addressing the issue in Parliament would help defuse tensions and ensure accountability in matters involving territorial integrity.
Hamzah’s remarks came in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s stance that there was no necessity to explain the matter in Parliament. The prime minister had instead criticised the opposition, accusing it of exploiting the issue for political mileage and of misusing freedom of speech through unfounded allegations.
Despite this, Hamzah reiterated that the opposition’s call was not politically motivated but driven by concern over sovereignty and border security. He said Parliament exists precisely to debate and resolve matters of national importance, particularly those touching on borders and international relations.
Earlier reports had suggested that three villages in Nunukan Regency, located in North Kalimantan, were now allegedly considered part of Malaysian territory following a reported shift in the Malaysia–Indonesia border line. These reports triggered public debate and prompted calls for official clarification from both sides of the political divide.
Hamzah maintained that leaving such claims unaddressed could damage public confidence and strain diplomatic understanding if left to speculation. He said a factual and calm explanation would allow lawmakers to assess the situation based on verified information rather than rumours.
The opposition leader added that transparency in sensitive matters would ultimately strengthen governance and public trust. He emphasised that parliamentary scrutiny should be viewed as a constructive process rather than an attack, particularly when issues involve territorial boundaries and Malaysia’s standing as a sovereign nation.
As the debate continues, pressure remains on the government to decide whether the allegations surrounding the Sabah–Nunukan border will be formally explained in Parliament in the coming sittings.
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