Kota Kinabalu: Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (PKAN) has emphasised the importance of Sabah’s legislative involvement in ongoing discussions between Malaysia and Indonesia over the Sabah-North Kalimantan border.
PKAN President Datuk Henrynus Amin said while the party supports efforts to resolve longstanding border issues and strengthen bilateral ties, any agreement must strictly follow Malaysia’s legal and constitutional framework.
“The integrity of Sabah’s borders is a matter of public interest and a key part of our identity within Malaysia.
“Under Article 2(b) of the Federal Constitution, any changes to state boundaries require formal consent from the Sabah State Legislative Assembly (SLA),” he said.
He noted that past territorial arrangements, such as concessions involving Blocks L & M to Brunei and the Ambalat maritime boundaries with Indonesia, were made without full state legislative oversight.
To prevent similar issues, Henrynus stressed that the current negotiations on a 5,207-hectare adjustment in the Nunukan/Sebatik sector must undergo a transparent, state-led review.
PKAN proposed forming a special “Select Committee on Territorial Integrity” to review geospatial and historical evidence, engage local border communities, and ensure public transparency.
“Legislative involvement strengthens the Federal Government’s position. By securing the formal backing of the Sabah State Assembly, any boundary agreement will carry the full weight of the law and the people’s mandate,” Henrynus added.
He called on the State Government to brief the Assembly in the upcoming session to ensure any agreement is legally sound, constitutionally correct, and respectful of Sabah’s rights.
