KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will establish a select committee to review territorial security issues, particularly those affecting the state, says Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir.

Madingkir said the state government was open to forming the committee to address Sabah’s maritime assets, acknowledging that security was a complex and sensitive matter.

“We can form a select committee to facilitate discussions between officers from both sides (federal and state governments) to resolve misunderstandings.

“However, I must stress that the Territorial Sea Act 2012 and the Continental Shelf Act are non-negotiable,” Madingkir said in response to the select committee proposal by nominated assemblyman Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee during the 16th State Legislative Assembly session on Thursday (Nov 21).

“These acts are outlined and declared in The North Borneo Alteration of Boundaries Order in Council 1954,” he added.

Madingkir recognised the challenges posed by territorial disputes, particularly in the South China Sea, which present significant security and economic implications.

He stressed that such matters must be addressed diplomatically and in line with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

Madingkir assured the Assembly that both federal and state governments were working together to safeguard Malaysia’s sovereignty.

“Security agencies, including the Royal Malaysian Navy, Royal Malaysian Air Force, and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, are conducting strategic operations to protect national sovereignty and economic interests in the South China Sea,” he explained.

He also highlighted the coordination between federal and state agencies, such as the Sabah Ports and Harbours Department and the Sabah Fisheries Department, in enhancing maritime security.

“Through these coordinated operations, we continue to protect our waters while upholding both national and state interests,” he said.

Madingkir confirmed that the Foreign Ministry, in partnership with the state government, had actively lodged protests against foreign incursions into Malaysian territorial waters.

“As we know, the South China Sea is claimed by several countries, including China, Brunei, and Vietnam, among others. The Malaysian Minister of Defence has reaffirmed that there is no need for a new maritime map, as Malaysia stands firm on its sovereignty and upholds its 1979 map. Any encroachments by other nations will not be recognised,” he added.

Earlier, Yong stressed the need for coordinated efforts between the Federal and Sabah governments on issues like the continental shelf, South China Sea disputes, the Philippines’ recent legislation, and the ongoing Ambalat dispute.

He also highlighted Sabah’s crucial role in defining Malaysia’s international boundaries, citing historical documents such as the Land Ordinance 1954 and recent amendments, which legally recognise Sabah’s continental shelf and airspace as part of its territory.

“A few months ago, we passed another amendment concerning the airspace above land under Sabah's jurisdiction. Therefore, both the sea and the land, above and below, belong to Sabah,” he said.

Yong also called for reliance on Malaysia’s 1979 map and pre-1963 documents to strengthen territorial claims, criticising the federal government for its lack of understanding and access to vital documents predating Malaysia’s formation in 1963.

Referring to the mishandling of the Sulu family’s claim over Sabah, Yong argued that Sabah should take the lead in resolving territorial issues rather than relying solely on the federal government.

“We suffered the consequences due to the mishandling of the claim over Sabah by the Sulu Sultanate,” he said.

These remarks were in response to a question raised by Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Senallang), who expressed concerns about Sabah's coordination with federal authorities on South China Sea threats.

Shafie recalled a 1997 visit to Terumbu Layang-Layang island with then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, during which Malaysia’s claim over the area was reaffirmed.

“We even built a resort there,” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/21/sabah-to-establish-select-committee-on-territorial-security