MANILA: A Senator has suggested that the Philippines engage with Sabah over the untapped energy resources straddling the seas on both sides in the wake of the crisis due to the Iran war.
Robinhood Padilla said reopening access to the resource-rich region could serve as a solution to future oil supply crises in the Philippines.
He said the proposal does not equate to the Philippines asserting full control over the contested territory, referring to its longstanding so-called Sabah claim, which the “Sulu heirs” failed to enforce through arbitration in European courts.
Padilla’s remarks at Senate hearing on energy security highlighted the potential economic benefits of engagement over Sabah’s oil and gas reserves.
“Sabah’s proximity to the Philippines and its untapped energy resources make it a strategic consideration for our country’s long-term energy needs,” Padilla said.
“But I want to be clear. This is not a call to annex the territory. We are exploring all possible avenues to ensure our energy security, and Sabah is one of them,” he said.
Padilla’s proposal met with mixed reactions in the Philippines. Some lawmakers welcomed the idea, stating that it could help to address the country’s energy needs.
Others, however, expressed concerns about the potential impact of the proposal on the relationship between Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as on the rights of the people in Sabah.
The Sabah territorial dispute dates back to the 1960s when the Philippines claimed parts of the state as its territory based on so-called historical ties to the Sultanate of Sulu.
Malaysia has rejected the claim, stating that Sabah is an integral part of its federation, having gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1963 and becoming part of Malaysia the same year.
A spokesperson for the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Sabah is an inseparable part of Malaysia, and any attempt to question our sovereignty over the region is unacceptable.
“We are committed to resolving the dispute through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.”
The spokesperson stressed that Malaysia is open to dialogue with the Philippines on issues of mutual interest, including energy security.
“We recognise the importance of energy security for both countries, and we are willing to explore opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector.
“However, any cooperation must be based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.”
