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SARAWAK Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and will join Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for high-level talks with Indonesia in Jakarta on 29 July, where negotiations on the Sulawesi Sea maritime boundary will be a key agenda item.
Anwar confirmed in Parliament today that their participation is vital, as any border-related agreement involving Malaysian territory requires the formal consent of the Sabah and Sarawak governments.
“This matter must be agreed to by the Sabah government. Therefore, on July 29, we will continue discussions in Jakarta, and the Sabah Chief Minister will be part of the delegation, as Sabah’s consent is required whenever there are discussions regarding the border,” Anwar said.
He added, “Official bilateral meetings and joint commissions are formal platforms, and for any official meeting involving Singapore or Indonesia, I always make it a rule to invite the Sarawak Premier and the Sabah Chief Minister to be part of the delegation.”
Anwar was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN–Beluran) on whether the 2002 International Court of Justice ruling on Ligitan and Sipadan islands could impact the demarcation of maritime boundaries in the Sulawesi Sea, particularly in relation to blocks ND6 (Block Y) and ND7 (Block Z).
He confirmed that the maritime boundary issue had been raised with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who suggested a joint resolution in the spirit of bilateral friendship. However, no final agreement has been reached, with negotiations still underway and the 2023 Sulawesi Sea Treaty containing a non-disclosure clause.
“He (Prabowo) and I hope we can reach a compromise because this is a friendly country, but after 60 years of mismanagement, even though most matters are agreed upon, there are still parts he disagrees with regarding the demarcation... so, what can we do with a friendly country? We will continue negotiating, but our stance remains firm,” Anwar said.
He stressed that Malaysia is committed to resolving the maritime boundary issue through peaceful negotiations while safeguarding national sovereignty.
“There should be no tension or conflict, even minor, between the Indonesian navy and the Malaysian navy. From the records of previous bilateral meetings with Indonesian leaders, the approach has been consistent, and I will continue in the same spirit,” he said.
In response to a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah (BN–Paya Besar) regarding economic cooperation in ND6 and ND7, Anwar clarified that project developments in the area have been postponed pending resolution of the border issue.
“We do not agree to economic cooperation that might imply we recognise the presence or interests of other countries in our area... except for projects that we undertake ourselves. That is why matters concerning ND6 and ND7 have been somewhat stalled,” he said.
Cautioning against premature action, Anwar said, “If we proceed too hastily, it could become like the border issue between Thailand and Cambodia. We must avoid that, especially as Indonesia maintains very good relations with Malaysia.”
He concluded by reiterating that while Malaysia values its close relationship with Indonesia, its position on sovereignty is non-negotiable.
“They also understand that, as a sovereign nation, we cannot concede anything, and the negotiation process must continue,” said Anwar. - July 22, 2022