Malaysia will not entertain Sabah claims, foreign minister says

MANILA, Philippines — The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia on Wednesday maintained that its government would not entertain the Philippines’ plan to include Sabah in its territory.

“The Government of Malaysia reiterates its position that Malaysia does not recognise and will not entertain any claims by any party on Sabah,” Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia YB Dato' Sri Anifah Haji Aman said in a press statement.

Anifah’s statement came after Senate President Aquilino “Kiko” Pimentel III, also a member of a consultative committee, said he would propose the inclusion of Sabah in the Philippine territory as part of the shift to a federal system of government.

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Pimentel earlier said “there should be a way that is acceptable under international laws to assert” the Philippines” claim to Sabah.

The Malaysian government, however, opposed Pimentel’s proposal and insisted Sabah is part of its territory as recognized by the international community.

“Sabah is recognised by the United Nations and the international community as part of Malaysia since the formation of the Federation on 16 September 1963,” Anifah said.

“Therefore, statements such as these will only expose the ignorance of history and international law of those who make them, as well as potentially harming the excellent bilateral relations which Malaysia and the Philippines currently enjoy,” he added.

Pimentel proposed the division of the country into 12 federal states. He said Sabah could be the 13^th federal state while Metro Manila would be the “federal capital.”

The sultanate of Sulu previously ruled over parts of the southern Philippines and Sabah. However, in 1963, the British government transferred the claims to the Federation of Malaysia.