Amid Criticism Pm To Bring Sabah Cm To Jakarta For Talks Over Ambalat

---

PARLIAMENT | Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (Harapan-Tambun) clarified that no official agreement was reached with Indonesia on a proposal to jointly develop economic potential in the Sulawesi Sea.
Noting that formal bilateral talks on the matter are set for next Tuesday (July 29), Anwar assured the discussions will also include Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor as the state’s maritime boundaries will be raised during the meetings.
Anwar also affirmed that he and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto agree to resolve disputes over blocks ND6 and ND7 - known as the Ambalat Block - in the Sulawesi Sea.
However, Anwar asserted that any potential resolution to the matter will only be finalised after taking into consideration Sabah’s views on the matter.
“(Prabowo) asked me if it would be possible for Malaysia and Indonesia to undertake a similar joint development authority agreement as the one we have established with Thailand and Vietnam.
ADS“I said that while we can certainly discuss the matter, the process must include approval from the Sabah state government…Whenever there is talk about delimitation (of the state’s borders), Sabah’s agreement is needed,” Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said this in response to Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran), who pressed Anwar to detail what agreements were made with Prabowo.
The Bersatu MP also took issue with the “vague” wording of media reports on the two nations’ joint management of the Ambalat Block.
Earlier, Ronald also questioned Anwar on how the International Court of Justice’s 2002 ruling awarding the nearby islands of Ligitan and Sipadan to Malaysia might influence maritime boundary delineation with Indonesia in the Sulawesi Sea, including sovereignty over the Ambalat Block.
Anwar said that Malaysia will remain firm in defending its sovereignty over the islands, noting that potential conflict with Indonesia over the matter will be handled appropriately.
He added that details of a 2023 treaty between the two countries on the delimitation of the Sulawesi Sea are still subject to a non-disclosure agreement as the document is deemed “not yet final and conclusive”.
Sabah demands a say
Last month, Anwar said Malaysia and Indonesia should proceed with joint development of the disputed oil-rich Ambalat area without waiting to resolve legal and regulatory issues.
“If we wait for everything to be finalised, it could take decades,” Bernama reported Anwar saying, after talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Anwar’s remark attracted fierce criticisms, especially from Sabah leaders, who questioned him for making an apparent decision without consulting the state.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Jeffrey Kitingan said Anwar owed the state an explanation and expressed his disappointment over the development, adding Sabah has not been consulted over matters related to its territorial rights.
Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut), who earlier this month called for the matter to be debated in Parliament, seemingly chided Anwar in the august House today.
He urged the government against making decisions which could raise negative perceptions among the public, pointing out that Anwar’s statement had implied a done deal with Indonesia.
Noting that the opposition is not against the proposed joint venture with Indonesia, the Bersatu deputy president called for the government to properly analyse border limitations first to protect the nation’s territories. - Mkini

---