Sabah’s status settled, says Hajiji amid renewed claim remarks

KOTA KINABALU (March 28): Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has dismissed renewed calls from the Philippines’ claim over Sabah, describing such remarks as recurring rhetoric often raised ahead of elections.

He said the matter had long been settled, stressing that the people of Sabah had made a clear and sovereign decision to be part of Malaysia.

“Over there, whenever elections draw near, issues like this tend to surface. But it has been clear from the very beginning that Sabah and its people have decided to be with Malaysia,” he said when met at the state-level Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).

Hajiji emphasised that Sabah’s position as a state within the federation is beyond dispute, noting that it is recognised internationally, including by the United Nations.

“This cannot be questioned anymore. We are a sovereign state within Malaysia, recognised by the United Nations. So what more is there to say?” he said.

He also cautioned against amplifying such claims, urging that the matter should not be sensationalised or turned into an issue.

“This is something that needs to be corrected. It should not be propagated or played up, especially by those on that side,” he said.

The remarks came following a recent call by Philippine Senator Robin Padilla during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to revive the country’s claim over Sabah, citing rising global oil prices amid tensions in the Middle East and Sabah’s oil and gas resources.

He also suggested sending emissaries to Malaysia to negotiate on the territorial claim.