Malaysia’s government followed all procedures in border alignment talks with Indonesia, says minister, dismissing allegations of betrayal.
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has adhered to all procedures in negotiations concerning the Malaysia-Indonesia border alignment involving Sabah and Sarawak.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the government engaged with all relevant parties and agencies, especially the Sabah and Sarawak state governments.
“So this means it is clear that procedures were adhered to, and it is not as alleged by various parties as if we had betrayed this country,” he told reporters.
He agreed with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s stance that consensus and diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Indonesia must be preserved.
Mustapha stressed the importance of all parties not spreading unverified information that could strain relations with the neighbouring country.
He suggested any questions or doubts be brought to the negotiating table with relevant ministries for accurate clarification.
Anwar yesterday strongly rejected claims that Malaysia had handed over 5,207 hectares of land to Indonesia as compensation for three villages along the Sabah-Kalimantan border.
He described the allegation as a baseless falsehood.
Meanwhile, Mustapha expressed appreciation for his appointment as an honorary commissioner of the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM).
He received his letter of appointment from APM chief commissioner Mohammad Abiddin.
Mustapha thanked Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for the trust placed in him to assist in managing disasters.
“This is quite a challenging task, but I will remain committed to helping, especially in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
He added that he would also visit Peninsular Malaysia to observe and monitor disaster-hit areas.