Sulu Sultan's claim has no effect on Sabah's sovereignty

JOHOR BAHRU - The claim made by the descendants of the Sultan of Sulu, Sultan Jamalul Kiram II against Sabah through an arbitration proceedings in France has no affect on the sovereignty of the state as part of Malaysia.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah said the claim was not recognised by the Malaysian government and Sabah.

“Malaysia does not recognise it (the claim) at all, but instead it continued in the Madrid Court, in Spain. The Attorney General's Chambers is representing the Malaysian government in the case and we will see how it goes.

“The fact is that the claim does not affect Sabah’s position as a sovereign state in Malaysia. Both Sabah and the Malaysian government do not recognise the claim,” he said in a press conference after a talk in conjunction with the Malaysia (Malaysian Family Aspirations) programme at the state level at Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB), here, on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry in a statement said it did not recognise the claim made by the heirs of Sultan Jamalul Kiram II.

Meanwhile, regarding his visit at the MBJB building, Saifuddin said the federal government has supported the Johor government's efforts to implement the Greater Johor Bahru initiative.

The initiative, he said would have a positive impact on diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Singapore.

“The idea of the cooperation between four local authorities (PBT) namely MBJB, Iskandar Puteri City Council, Pasir Gudang City Council and Kulai Municipal Council is something good and needs further discussion because the Greater Johor Bahru idea involves Singapore’s border.

He added that the matter would also have a positive impact on the ministry.