Malaysia will issue a diplomatic note to the Philippines rejecting renewed claims on Sabah, affirming the state’s final position within the federation.
SEREMBAN: Malaysia will send a diplomatic note to the Philippines as soon as possible to reject any renewed claims on Sabah.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia consistently sends such notes whenever statements regarding claims over Sabah are raised.
He stated that Sabah’s position as part of the Federation of Malaysia is final.
This was decided by the people of the state through a legitimate process verified by the United Nations.
“This is not a new issue; it has been raised for decades,” Mohamad said during an Aidilfitri open house at his residence in Rantau.
He suggested it was a tactic to divert attention from internal problems within the Philippines.
“There is no question of Sabah still being their claim. But if they want to raise it, that’s up to them.”
“We are not objecting but rejecting it outright, and it is unfounded.”
Mohamad, who is also the Rembau MP, said such statements are made by individuals and do not reflect the Philippine government’s official stance.
He added they do not affect bilateral relations between the two countries.
“This is because when a senator speaks, the Philippine government cannot do anything.”
“Just like us here, when the opposition speaks, what can we do? Nothing much we can do.”
He noted the Philippines is the ASEAN Chair this year.
The media recently reported that Senator Robin Padilla urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to revive the Philippines’ claim over Sabah.
Padilla reportedly said it was time for Manila to act firmly to assert rights he claims belong to the Philippines.