Senior political figures in Sabah have raised urgent concerns over reports that Malaysia has entered into a joint development agreement with Indonesia over the Ambalat oil block—an area long seen as part of Sabah’s maritime zone. The issue gained traction following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visit to Jakarta, during which both governments reportedly reached a mutual understanding on resource exploration in the disputed area.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan expressed strong disappointment over the development, urging the Federal Government to provide clarity. He argued that any agreement involving Ambalat should not proceed without the knowledge and approval of the Sabah government. According to him, if the state was excluded from consultations, it would represent another instance of federal overreach, undermining Sabah’s rights.
Kitingan plans to raise the matter in Parliament, seeking formal explanation directly from the Prime Minister. The situation has triggered memories of the 2009 Block L and M case, where Malaysia’s decision to relinquish rights to Brunei sparked widespread backlash due to the lack of consultation with Sabah.
Former Chief Minister Yong Teck Lee also voiced concerns, warning that joint ventures of this nature may set a precedent that further erodes Sabah’s maritime claims. He reminded federal authorities that the legality of the 2012 Territorial Sea Act, which limits state control to three nautical miles, remains under judicial review. According to Yong, any decisions affecting Sabah’s maritime boundaries must first be debated in Parliament and the state’s legislative assembly.
Warisan’s information chief Datuk Mohd Azis Jamman echoed similar sentiments, arguing that any bilateral agreement concerning Ambalat without Sabah’s consent would violate the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). He stressed that such unilateral decisions disregard the legal and constitutional framework meant to protect the state’s territorial integrity.
Azis called on the Foreign Ministry to issue an immediate clarification if recent media reports—both local and international—were inaccurate. He warned that failing to address the issue transparently could strain diplomatic relations and further erode public trust in the federal administration.
While all leaders affirmed Sabah’s commitment to peaceful diplomacy, they agreed that any arrangement involving maritime boundaries must be constitutionally sound and inclusive of state-level decision-makers.
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