Malaysia reaffirms Sulawesi Sea designation, rejects Indonesia's "Ambalat" term

KUALA LUMPUR: Wisma Putra said Malaysia identifies the maritime area covering Blocks ND6 and ND7, as outlined in the 1979 Peta Baru Malaysia, as the Sulawesi Sea, rejecting the use of the term “Ambalat” employed by Indonesia.

In a statement today, the Foreign Ministry said the matter relates to possible joint development between Malaysia and Indonesia in the Sulawesi Sea, which remains at an exploratory stage.

It said that nothing has been agreed upon by both sides.

“Malaysia remains committed to protecting its sovereignty, sovereign rights and interests in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

“All discussions on this matter will be conducted through diplomatic, legal and technical mechanisms within the established bilateral frameworks,” the ministry said.

The ministry added that it will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Sabah state government, to safeguard Malaysia’s position.

It said that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in 2002, which awarded sovereignty of Sipadan and Ligitan islands to Malaysia, further reinforced the country’s position over its maritime area in the Sulawesi Sea.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan clarified the issue in the Dewan Rakyat today in response to questions raised by members of parliament.

He said that any terminology used must correctly reflect Malaysia’s sovereign position and legal rights over the area.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

Source link