SEREMBAN: Malaysia's protest against the Philippines' claim over Sabah, submitted through a diplomatic note to the United Nations (UN), is in line with its status as an independent and UN-recognised country.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the protest note was sent to the UN following Manila's attempt to include Malaysia's maritime boundaries as part of their territory starting from Sabah.

"We sent a note to the UN because there was a note from the Philippines stating that they considered the maritime boundaries starting from Sabah.

"Clearly, if that is Manila's basis for measurement, then they are claiming Sabah as theirs, so we sent a protest note to the UN.

"The establishment and independence of Sabah and Sarawak, along with the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, were done in an orderly and structured manner with all leaders agreeing and recognised by the UN.

"No one or any party can claim that any area in this country is their territory because Malaysia is an independent, sovereign country which, together with the Federation of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak, forms the Federation of Malaysia," he said.

Mohamad said this after officiating in the Rembau Umno division meeting at the Royal Chulan Hotel here today.

The Rembau member of parliament said it had yet to be determined whether the matter would be taken to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

"There is a possibility that this matter will be brought to the ICJ, but that depends... However, I hope it does not become a reason to disrupt the excellent bilateral relations between Malaysia and the Philippines.

"The protest note we sent is to state our position as an independent country recognised by international organisations, namely the UN," he said.

International disputes over Sabah had occurred several times before, involving not only the submission of diplomatic notes, but also legal action and armed incursions.

Earlier this month, Mohamad made his first official visit to the Philippines. He paid a courtesy call to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at Malacanang Palace in Manila, in addition to meeting his counterpart Enrique Manalo.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1073432/no-one-can-claim-sabah-tok-mat-says-protest-note-against-philippines