KOTA KINABALU: Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal welcomed the decision of the Paris Court of Appeal to cancel the so-called “Final Award” of US$14.9 billion, saying it brings a clear end to a wrongful and illegal claim by individuals claiming to be heirs of the defunct Sultanate of Sulu.
He said the ruling confirms that Sabah is not a commercial asset to be disputed through private or foreign arbitration, stressing that Sabah’s status is firmly protected by the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
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He said he also took note of the position of the Sabah Law Society, which has made clear that matters involving Sabah’s territory and constitutional status cannot be decided through unauthorised external processes.
Shafie said Sabahans will remember that Malaysia’s sovereignty over Sipadan and Ligitan was confirmed through proceedings at the International Court of Justice, based on recognised international law.
“During that period, I was part of the federal leadership and was engaged in matters relating to Sabah’s territorial interests. This reflects a long-standing principle that sovereignty must be defended through proper legal and constitutional channels,” he said.
He said the court decision was especially meaningful as Sabah marks 62 years since joining with Sarawak, Singapore and Malaya to form Malaysia, adding that Malaysia was formed through a solemn constitutional agreement between equal partners and Sabah’s sovereignty was never surrendered to be questioned by outsiders.
“I gives my clear commitment to the people of Sabah that I will continue to safeguard Sabah’s sovereignty and constitutional position within Malaysia.
“Together with Warisan, we will work tirelessly, using lawful and constitutional means to defend Sabah’s rights,” he said.
He said defending Sabah cannot be selective and that MA63 must be fully and honestly implemented without further delay, including Sabah’s constitutional right to 40 per cent of net federal revenue derived from the State.
He said failure to fully and consistently respect MA63 weakens Sabah’s position and gives space to outsiders to question Sabah’s status and that the best defence against such claims is fairness, clarity and respect in the Federal–State relationship.
“Only by fully honouring MA63 can Sabah’s sovereignty be protected, its dignity upheld and its place in Malaysia put beyond doubt for future generations,” he said.
