M'sia ready with issue on claim on Sabah

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia is ready to face the possibility of the Philippines' claim on Sabah to resurface or the country pursuing the matter through a diplomatic note.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said Malaysia was ready with all the documents, including on the referendum conducted by the Cobbold Commission in April 1962 among the people of Sabah and Sarawak on whether they wanted to join Malaysia and also the international resolution enforced under the United Nations.

"So far, the claim (on Sabah) by the Philippines is only made by a small group that is political in nature, which Malaysia does not consider as official by the country.

"In bilateral relations, we cannot consider it as an official undertaking. So long as the Philippine government does not say things which are in tandem with what has been said by the son of the late (former Philippine President Ferdinand) Marcos, there is no need for us to act.

"But if they make it known through a diplomatic note, then we will have to act," he said when debating on the Supplementary Supply Bill (2007) 2008 in the Dewan Rakyat here Wednesday.

Rais said the matter was also not discussed at several meetings he had with the Philippine President and Foreign Minister recently.

"Nevertheless, the Ministry views seriously the views of all quarters that Malaysia should be prepared and be more cautious," he added. - Bernama

Daily Express
Sabah
29/05/08