We’ll defend against territorial claim by the Philippines, says Tok Mat

 

FMT:

We’ll defend against

territorial claim by the

Philippines, says Tok Mat

FMT Reporters-07 Jul 2024, 03:23 PM

Foreign minister Mohamad Hasan says Malaysia rejects Manila’s latest move, stresses indisputable sovereignty over Sabah.

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Foreign minister Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia has submitted a diplomatic note in response to Manila’s claims in the western Palawan region of the South China Sea. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is an independent sovereign nation that will fight any claim on our territories, foreign minister Mohamad Hasan said in response to a diplomatic note filed by the Philippines with the United Nations.

“In its note, the Philippines claims that its maritime border runs through Sabah. If this is used as a yardstick, then it’s claiming that Sabah belongs to the Philippines,” he said after opening the Rembau Umno annual general meeting in Seremban today, The Star reported.

Mohamad, better known as Tok Mat, confirmed that Putrajaya had also submitted a note in response. In rejecting the move by Manila, he added that Sabah and Sarawak formally became part of Malaysia decades ago, which was recognised by the UN.

“We are an independent and sovereign nation, and no one can just come and stake a claim on any of our territories,” he said.

According to reports, Manila is claiming an extended continental shelf in the western Palawan region of the South China Sea, defining the seabed areas over which it has sovereign and exclusive rights to exploit its natural resources, including oil and gas.

Putrajaya has reportedly “categorically” rejected this claim, arguing that it clearly disregards Malaysia’s indisputable sovereignty over Sabah.