KOTA KINABALU – Despite the threat to the nation’s sovereignty, politicians in Sabah have taken a tepid stance towards the Philippines’ recent claim to an extended continental shelf in the South China Sea, which was projected from the state’s baselines.
Amid a renewal of the long-standing dispute, Sabah leaders highlighted the need for Malaysia to remain resolute, but stressed the importance of maintaining good diplomatic relations with the Philippines.
Manila has asserted its entitlement to an extended continental shelf in the western Palawan region, overlapping Sabah’s continental shelf and the state’s borders. In response, Malaysia submitted a diplomatic note to the United Nations to refute the claim.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister and Sabah STAR President, Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, endorsed the federal government’s response. He pointed out that the Philippines’ claim includes areas within Sabah’s established boundaries, as defined in 1954.
“It (the claim) is illogical. Sabah’s stance is the same as the federal government because Sabah has its own boundary (border). We strongly disagree with the Philippines’ claim because it is within Sabah’s territory.
“We (state government) can be firm and issue a separate statement to refute this protest (the claim), but at the same time, we still want to maintain a friendly relationship (with the Philippines)… to promote our economic relations, because we are neighbours, and we can work together for the benefit of both nations,” he told Scoop.
Kitingan proposed that the issue be addressed at the upcoming Asean summit in October.
Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau welcomed the federal government’s response but called for greater transparency. He believes the Malaysian government should keep the public informed about developments concerning the Philippines’ claim on Sabah.
“This is an issue that is close to the people’s hearts, especially Sabahans. The people want to join the government in protecting our sovereignty.
“I urge the government to be transparent in updating the people on their plans or implemented efforts so that the people are well informed on the latest status,” he said.
United Sabah National Organisation president, Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, echoed Kitingan’s sentiments, asserting that the territorial dispute should be a key discussion point at the Asean summit.
He suggested that Sabah should draft another memorandum to reaffirm the people’s opposition to any external claims.
“I see that Malaysia’s leaders keep changing but none of them was serious in handling this issue. In my opinion, this should have been handled decades ago because our neighbours, the Philippines, Brunei and Indonesia know how Sabah achieved its independence through the formation of Malaysia.
“However, as far as I know, this matter has never been discussed at the Asean summit seriously and aggressively,” he said.
Pandikar highlighted the Philippines’ persistent attempts to claim Sabah, questioning the true meaning of Sabah’s independence if such claims continue.
“What is the meaning of independence if Sabah is claimed by our neighbouring country from time to time? What type of independence did we achieve? A mock independence?” he said, urging the Malaysian government to maintain a firm stance on the issue. – July 11, 2024
