SEREMBAN: Malaysia will send a diplomatic note to Philippines to firmly reject renewed claims over Sabah, following recent remarks by Filipino senator Robin Padilla.
Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Putrajaya has consistently issued such diplomatic responses whenever the Sabah claims is raised, stressing that the state’s status as part of Malaysia is final.
He said Sabah’s inclusion in the federation was decided through a legitimate process verified by the United Nations.
“This is not a new issue and has been raised for decades. There is no question of Sabah being claimed by others. We are not objecting, but rejecting such claims outright as they are unfounded,” he said during an Aidilfitri open house in Rantau as reported in Bernama.
Mohamad added that statements made by individual politicians in the Philippines do not reflect the official stance of its government and have not affected bilateral ties.
He noted that relations between Malaysia and the Philippines remain strong, including cooperation within ASEAN, despite periodic claims over Sabah.
The issue resurfaced after Padilla reportedly urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to revive Manila’s claim over the resource-rich state and consider sending an official representative to the area.
