Jeffrey questions Putrajaya over Ambalat deal without consulting Sabah
KOTA KINABALU (July 1): Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan is demanding an explanation from the Federal Government over Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's recent statement in Indonesia regarding plans for joint development in the disputed Ambalat maritime area near Sabah's borders.
'Ambalat has already been decided as an area within Sabah's territory. Why was this decision made without consulting Sabah? That is not right. It is another way of bypassing Sabah's rights,' said Jeffrey.
Expressing his disappointment, he said Sabah must be consulted on matters involving its territorial rights.
'We need an explanation, and I will submit a question in Parliament regarding Ambalat, specifically to seek clarification from the Prime Minister. We will wait for his response,' he said.
On June 27, national news agency Bernama reported that Anwar and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto had reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, including the potential for joint development in the maritime border area between the two countries.
Anwar was quoted as saying that both sides should explore economic cooperation in the maritime zone, including the Ambalat area, for the benefit of their respective populations.
'If there still appears to be a deadlock in negotiations in terms of principles, regulations and laws, then there should be no obstacle for us to accelerate economic cooperation, including what Prabowo mentioned earlier regarding a joint development authority.
'Even in the Ambalat area, if we wait for full resolution, it might take another two decades. So let us take advantage of this moment to achieve results that benefit both countries and defend the interests of our people in a region quite far from the main border,' said Anwar.
The Ambalat region, located off the east coast of Sabah and rich in natural resources, has long been a subject of overlapping claims by Malaysia and Indonesia.
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