Senator Files Notice For Urgent Debate On Philippines Claim To Sabah

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The Dewan Negara sitting tomorrow should urgently debate fresh claims by the Philippines on Sabah, said senator Adrian Lasimbang
In his notice sent to Dewan Negara speaker Rais Yatim's office on Friday under Standing Order 7(1), Adrian described the Philippines House Committee on Foreign Affairs' suggestion to incorporate Sabah's map on its passport cover as a "provocative" act that threatens the sovereignty of Sabah and Malaysia
"This motion is an important matter of the country's sovereignty and a breach of regional Asean corporation as well as terms at the United Nations level
"This motion is also a motion that needs to be debated because any action taken to undermine Malaysia's sovereignty is a security issue which must not be taken lightly," he said
Lasimbang (photo, above) said the Philippines' insistence of its "historical rights" over Sabah had also sparked unrest and security concerns in the state, said Lasimbang
The DAP senator said the motion is also a matter of larger public interest as it touched on Malaysia's border control, as well as enforcement of maritime and Immigration laws
"Malaysia, as a country that practises a 'non-confrontational' principle in dealing with diplomatic issues, must take proactive action through Wisma Putra to resolve this situation
"Tan Sri Yang Di-Pertua's cooperation in accepting this motion in the Dewan Negara for debate is highly appreciated," he added
The Dewan Rakyat on Aug 27 had allowed Batu Sapi MP Liew Vui Keong's emergency motion to debate the same issue
Last month, Caretaker Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal urged Wisma Putra to summon the Philippines ambassador in Kuala Lumpur over the "unwarranted provocation" on the sovereignty of the state. - Mkini

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