Kota Kinabalu: Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal has called for strict adherence to the Federal Constitution in handling Malaysia’s border with Indonesia, says Sabah’s territorial rights cannot be overlooked.
He said the border issue should be addressed through legal and constitutional channels, not political expediency.
“Border issues are not political conveniences. Any final decision must follow due process and the safeguards provided under the Constitution,” he said in Parliament.
Shafie highlighted that Articles 36(1) and 2(b) require the Sabah State Legislative Assembly and the Conference of Rulers to consent on matters affecting state boundaries.
“This is not about politics. These provisions exist to protect the Constitution and the future of our country,” he added.
His remarks came after reports suggesting Malaysia had ceded territory to Indonesia, claims rejected by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who said Malaysia retains sovereignty over the disputed areas.
Anwar emphasised that border demarcation is guided by historical agreements and international conventions, not based on compensation or land swaps, and that surveys confirm Malaysia’s claims over several village areas.
Legal and community groups in Sabah have urged transparency in the negotiations to ensure public confidence in the process and clarity on the basis of decisions made.
The Parliament Speaker recommended referring technical details of the border to a select committee, allowing for thorough review before further debate.
