Legal Wins Against Sulu Claimants Prove Govt's Success In Defending Sovereignty - Malaysian Minister
KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Bernama) -- A series of wins by Malaysia at international courts against a group of Sulu individuals claiming to be descendants of the Sulu Sultanate prove that the government has successfully defended the country’s rights, property and sovereignty, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said.
The favourable rulings by both the Hague Court of Appeal in the Netherlands, and the Paris Court of Appeal in France serve as a fitting close to all the efforts of the irresponsible parties that tried to seize the country’s rights and property, he added.
“It also proves that claims by that group have failed and should not be entertained,” he told reporters after attending the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) Annual General Meeting Fireside Chat With the Communication and Digital Minister here Tuesday.
He explained that the victory was also the result of cooperation between all parties involved who worked together with all their hearts to defend the country.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had announced the landmark ruling earlier Tuesday stating that it would prevent any attempt by the claimants to enforce their illegitimate claims against the Government of Malaysia in the Netherlands.
The Hague Court of Appeal dismissed the Sulu claimants’ application for recognition and enforcement of a purported arbitral award of US$14.9 billion (RM62.59 billion) to be enforced in the Netherlands on Tuesday, following a similar ruling by the Paris Court of Appeal on June 6.
Meanwhile, in east Malaysian state SABAH, the state Chief Minister Hajiji Noor said the Hague Court of Appeal's dismissal is further proof that the group’s claim has no locus standi.
Hajiji hailed the decision and said it also reaffirmed the state government's stand in not recognising the claim.
"Sabah shares the federal government's confidence, as stated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, that it was closer to completely nullifying the award after the decision," he said in a statement here Tuesday night.
Hajiji thanked the prime minister and the federal government for the decisive actions to stand firm to protect Malaysia’s sovereignty.
"The state government will continue to work closely with the federal government until the so-called Sabah Claim is quashed,” said the Chief Minister.
On the same note, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Armizan Mohd Ali said the latest court decision marked the failure of those who tried to manipulate the international system and process of justice for their own vested interests.
“The high commitment shown by the prime minister and all the team members involved in fighting for the rights and interests of the country should be given deep appreciation," he told Bernama when contacted.
Armizan urged all quarters to take a lesson from this case and not to be complacent on matters which touched on the country’s integrity and sovereignty.
“Sometimes we are not aware that our statements and actions can open a door for outside parties to manipulate international forums for their own interests and to undermine our national interests,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
