PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has appeared before the French Court of Cassation, the supreme court in France, to reinforce its sovereignty and interests against the Sulu fraud, says Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) said the court heard the challenge lodged by the so-called heirs of the Sulu Sultanate against the June 6, 2023 Paris Court of Appeal decision.

"Last year, the Paris Court of Appeal refused recognition of the partial award issued by Dr Gonzalo Stampa, finding he had wrongly upheld the jurisdiction," said Azalina in a statement on X on Tuesday (Sept 17).

"During the hearing, Malaysia demonstrated and fortified the soundness of its June 6, 2023 victory.

Azalina said Malaysia had successfully protected its interests worldwide, most recently on Sept 6, 2024, when the Dutch Supreme Court rejected the claimants' last-instance appeal, rendering a final and binding decision that has put the Sulu fraud to rest in the Netherlands.

She said Malaysia would continue the fight against the Sulu fraud in other jurisdictions, including Spain and Luxembourg.

"We will continue to ensure that the sovereignty, security and interests of Malaysia are protected at all times," said Azalina.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/18/malaysia-reinforces-sovereignty-in-french-trial-over-sulu-claims