KUALA LUMPUR: The government is currently reviewing strategies and measures to recover the costs and losses borne by the country in connection with claims by alleged heirs of the Sulu Sultanate over Sabah.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the direct and indirect costs involved in concluding the long-running dispute over Sabah were significant.
Her remarks follow the French Court of Appeal’s recent decision to fully set aside the “Final Award” in the claim brought by parties purporting to be heirs of the sultanate.
“Although the arbitrator in this case was sentenced to imprisonment for breaching court orders, the direct and indirect losses borne by Malaysia have been substantial.
“Thus, the Madani Government is studying strategies and measures to recover the direct and indirect costs and losses incurred by Malaysia in this case,” she said in a written parliamentary reply last night in response to Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Gapari Kitingan’s (GRS-Keningau) question.
She said Malaysia stopped all payments to the alleged heirs in 2013 after their failed incursion into Lahad Datu, which claimed the lives of 10 Malaysian policemen.
“No further payment obligations will be made to anyone, whether individuals or foreign entities, as Sabah’s sovereignty within the Federation of Malaysia is absolute and recognised by the United Nations,” Azalina added.
She also said Putrajaya will continue to pursue all necessary measures, including through international legal channels and diplomatic efforts, to ensure the matter is resolved conclusively and does not threaten national interests in the future.
On Dec 9, the Paris Court of Appeal annulled the “Final Award” obtained by the alleged heirs of the Sulu Sultanate, which was issued by arbitrator Gonzalo Stampa on Feb 22, 2022.
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