KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia’s sovereignty over Sabah must be upheld amid renewed external claims, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud (pic).
He stressed that Sabah and Sarawak had agreed to form Malaysia in 1963 and that any claims would be handled prudently by the State and Federal Governments through the Foreign Ministry.
He said Malaysia would continue to defend its sovereignty and described Sabah as part of the country.
His remarks followed the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs’ reiteration on Friday of its claim to the territory of "North Borneo" and its plan to coordinate the release of a new map incorporating the 2016 Arbitral Award and the 2024 Maritime Zones Act.
Mustapha was also asked about a proposal to establish an Indian consulate in Sabah, which he said remains under consideration.
He said the request was made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent visit and had been discussed at the Cabinet level, with no decision reached.
Mustapha said the state government and the Foreign Ministry would study the necessity of setting up the consulate, particularly in light of increasing tourist arrivals from India to Sabah, and that a consulate could facilitate travel matters if there is a clear need.
He added that the idea of a Philippine consulate had been raised previously and could be considered if deemed necessary by both the State and Federal Governments.
