Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

Kota Kinabalu: Anwar said unlike previous Prime Ministers,  he included Sabah in discussions regarding the Sulawesi Sea (Ambalat) issue. 

“Previously, did the Prime Minster call state representatives to discuss together in international negotiations? 

“We in the Madani Government do this (call everyone into the discussion) because to decide on borders, we must involve the state governments, including the Sabah State Government,” he said, referring to recent meetings with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto which was attended by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari.

Anwar said the Federal Government is committed to protecting Sabah’s territorial rights, noting that allegations in Parliament suggest that Malaysia had already conceded territory. 

He said President Prabowo is both a personal and family friend. We discussed the Sulawesi Sea issue and I informed in front of Hajiji that we need to discuss parameters according to law, according to UNCLOS 1982, according to historical antecedents and must be agreed upon by the Sabah Government and ultimately the State Legislative Assembly,” Anwar said, pointing out these were official meeting minutes, not mere speculation.

“I want to defend this principle. We will defend the rights of Sabah. We will not allow even one inch of sea or land to be encroached upon by anyone or claimed by anyone,” he said. 

He noted the ongoing legal battles, including the case at the Spanish courts against Sulu claimants, where Malaysia continues to fight to protect Sabah’s rights as an integral part of the federation.

Regarding potential joint ventures between Petronas and Indonesia’s Pertamina for seabed exploration, Anwar said this would only apply to areas where oil reserves cross both countries’ boundaries beneath the seabed. 

He drew parallels to existing Joint Development Authorities with Vietnam and Thailand, pointing out that any agreements would be subject to further negotiations.

“Even if we extract oil from Sabah’s land, the oil underneath spreads to Indonesian territory. 

“That is why such cooperation must exist,” he said, dismissing attacks on this position as misguided.