Muhyiddin What Are Guarantees For Malaysia In Ambalat Deal

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Former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin today demanded to know what the guarantees are for Malaysia in the Ambalat sea block negotiations with Indonesia.
ADSIn a statement today, Muhyiddin (above) recalled that he had already raised the issue in Parliament in 2023, requesting assurance from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that no part of Malaysia's territory would be "sacrificed" during negotiations with Indonesia.
"On June 27, 2025, Malaysia and Indonesia agreed to implement a joint development agreement (JDA) in the Ambalat Block. However, to date, no detailed explanation of this agreement has been provided by the government.
"Is it true that Malaysia has not sacrificed an inch of its territory in this joint development agreement? What are the terms of this agreement? Does it not affect Malaysia's position in its sovereignty claim over Ambalat?" the Perikatan Nasional chairperson asked.
Muhyiddin also questioned if the Sabah government was consulted before the joint development agreement was agreed upon, since the dispute over Ambalat involves its state borders.
"Regional economic cooperation should be welcomed. However, any form of joint development agreement in areas that remain under maritime dispute, such as Ambalat, can only be implemented under strict conditions," he added.
Muhyiddin said this must be based on principles of international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and cannot in any form be regarded as a surrender of sovereignty rights.
Point of contention
He added that Ambalat has been a point of contention since 1979 and is an area legitimately claimed by Malaysia, and not a mere potential economic zone.
The Pagoh MP said the block is Malaysia's "resolve in defending maritime boundaries".
"In this context, any announcement of intent for joint development without clarity of conditions, without parliamentary mandate, and without guarantees regarding Sabah's rights represents a careless step that could have long-term effects on Malaysia's legitimate claims.
"The people also have the right to ask whether there are clauses that allow Malaysia to withdraw if its rights are denied? Is Sabah guaranteed a share of the proceeds or administrative rights over those resources?
“Or will this action only strengthen Indonesia's claims through ‘implicit recognition’ in the joint development agreement?" Muhyiddin questioned.
ADSCall for debate
Earlier, PN's deputy chairperson Hamzah Zainudin called for a debate in Parliament over Putrajaya’s plan with Indonesia to explore oil and gas in the disputed Ambalat block.
PN's deputy chairperson Hamzah ZainudinHe warned the government against making such a rash decision, especially with the territorial dispute over the area.
Last month, Anwar said Malaysia and Indonesia should proceed with the 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 announcement had since attracted fierce criticisms, especially from Sabah leaders, who questioned him for making the decision without consulting the state. - Mkini

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