Azalina: “Based on the statements presented by both parties and the statement representing the French government, I hope that the outcome of the appeal, which is expected to be known soon, will be in favour of Malaysia, God willing”. (Bernama filepix)

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 18): Malaysia continued to assert its sovereignty and protect its national interests by appearing before the French Court of Cassation, France’s highest (supreme) court, on Tuesday (Sept 17), in its ongoing legal battle against the purported heirs of the long-defunct Sulu sultanate.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who was present at the proceedings, stated that the Court of Cassation reviewed the challenge filed by the Sulu group against the Paris Court of Appeal’s decision from June 6, 2023.

Last year, the Paris Court of Appeal had refused to recognise a partial award issued by Dr Gonzalo Stampa, ruling that he had wrongly upheld his jurisdiction.

“Malaysia demonstrated and fortified the soundness of its June 6, 2023 victory,” said Azalina in a statement issued in France.

Present at the court were Malaysia’s Ambassador to France Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, Prime Minister’s Department Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) deputy director general (policy and development) Dr Punitha Silivarajoo, along with senior officials from the Attorney General’s Chambers, and the Foreign Ministry.

Malaysia has successfully protected its interests on the global stage, with the most recent victory on Sept 6, 2024. The Dutch Supreme Court dismissed the claimants’ final appeal, delivering a final and binding decision that has resolved the Sulu fraud case in the Netherlands.

“Based on the statements presented by both parties and the statement representing the French government, I hope that the outcome of the appeal, which is expected to be known soon, will be in favour of Malaysia, God willing,” said Azalina in a post on her X platform.

Azalina, in her statement, said that Malaysia will continue to fight the battle against the Sulu fraud in other jurisdictions involved, including in Spain and Luxembourg.

“The Government of Malaysia will continue to ensure that Malaysia’s sovereignty, security and interests are protected at all times,” she said.