LEGAL TRIUMPHS PROVE SULU HEIRS' CLAIMS BASELESS, SAY SABAH EAST COAST RESIDENTS

SANDAKAN, Jan 6 (Bernama) -- Sabah's east coast residents have declared the so-called Sulu heirs' claims as entirely baseless, pointing to Malaysia's international legal triumphs. 

These include the Paris Court of Appeal's annulment of a USD14.9 billion Final Award issued by arbitrator Gonzalo Stampa in 2022 and a €200,000 (approximately USD232,734) cost order against the claimants.

The leader of the MADANI Community in Kampung Gum-Gum, Mohd Zarul Midi, said the decision clearly affirms Sabah's status as an integral part of Malaysia.

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He said this major legal victory proves that Malaysia is on the right track in defending its sovereignty and clearly reinforces Sabah's rightful place within the nation.

Mohd Zarul insisted the claimants must accept Sabah as part of Malaysia and called for an end to further claims, which he said are based on distorted history and facts.

He added that the ruling also strengthens public security, boosting confidence in the state’s economy and tourism sector.

Reflecting on the past intrusion in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, he said residents now feel a greater sense of security along the east coast, largely due to the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom).

For MADANI Community leader of Sri Taman, Sahrudin A Harol, the annulment of the Final Award is seen as a necessary legal action and formal recognition of the nation's sovereignty and independence.

"I'm grateful for Malaysia's success in defending national sovereignty, particularly over Sabah. The claimants must understand that these baseless claims must stop," he said, expressing confidence that the government would respond decisively to any future attempts.

Echoing this sentiment, the MADANI Community leader of Kampung Gas Baru, Sablee Erak, said the international court ruling represents a decisive victory, and Sabahans have never accepted these claims over the state.

This effort honours the legacy of earlier generations who fought for Sabah's place in Malaysia, against a claim he described as having no legitimate foundation.

Separately, in Lahad Datu, MADANI Community leader of Kampung Sabah Baru 2, Mohamad Otuh Saleh, credited the outcome to the determined advocacy and firm approach taken by both Sabah and federal leaders in handling the dispute.

He believes the victory will send a lasting message to the claimants: they cannot arbitrarily breach international law or challenge Sabah's sovereignty, especially after such a protracted dispute.

"Winning this legal battle should be celebrated. Those who supported this claim will be intimidated. Sabah is a sovereign territory," he said.

ESSCOM commander Datuk Victor Sanjos affirmed that the international court's ruling was the appropriate and necessary legal step, reinforcing that Eastern Sabah's sovereignty has always been, and remains, secure within Malaysia.

"ESSCOM is committed to upholding this sovereignty and will continue to ensure the security and well-being of the people in the region," he added.

-- BERNAMA