Wisma Putra: Malaysia will not entertain claims on Sabah

PUTRAJAYA: The Foreign Ministry has reiterated Malaysia’s stand that the claims over Sabah are without basis.

Bernama reported the ministry as saying that Malaysia was aware of the remarks made by Aquilino Pimentel Jr, a member of the Philippines’ Consultative Committee, that appeared in the media on Friday.

“This is the second time this year that Pimentel has made baseless remarks related to Sabah,” it said in a statement yesterday.

Wisma Putra said Sabah was recognised by the United Nations and the international community as part of Malaysia since the formation of the Federation on Sept 16, 1963.

“As such, Malaysia does not recognise and will not entertain any claims by any party on Sabah,” it added.

The ministry said statements from individuals such as Pimentel’s would damage the good bilateral relations that Malaysia and the Philippines currently enjoyed.

“These statements can hinder efforts to further strengthen bilateral relations, which are important not only for the two countries, but the region as a whole,” it added.

In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal denounced Pimentel’s proposal to include Sabah as the 13th state in the Philippines’ shift to federalism.

Shafie said it was not “wise” for Pimentel to use the issue for political mileage in his country.

“The elections (in the Philippines) might be coming, and this may be part and parcel of how they are garnering support from their own communities. I don’t think it’s wise to do that.

“As part of Asean, we are working together as partners. But they must also be sensitive about issues that are dear to us Malaysians,” he told reporters at Kota Kinabalu International Airport yesterday after launching Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s livery on MASwings’ aircraft.

“There is no legal foundation for the Philippines to claim Sabah. This is our country, this is our state, and this is our land,” Shafie said.