KOTA KINABALU, June 28 — Sabah opposition Parti Warisan has welcomed news of the decision by the Dutch Court of Appeal to dismiss a bid by a group of so-called heirs of the Sulu Sultanate against the Malaysian government with relief.
President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal described it as a historical achievement for Malaysia and commended the concerted effort, dedication, and energy from all parties involved.
“The Hague Court of Appeal’s ruling on Tuesday and the Paris Court of Appeal’s decision on 6 June 2023 to uphold the Malaysian government’s challenge against enforcing a partial award to the so-called heirs have given us high hopes that the Final Award of US$15 billion by Dr Gonzalo Stampa will be fully overturned and put an end to any more future attempt on claims made by the group.
“We pray that it will be a complete victory,” he said in a statement here today.
He said the claim made by this group of so-called heirs has haunted Sabahans for many years and this latest development not only brings a sense of relief but also emphasises that their claim is frivolous.
“This achievement in court is working towards ensuring that the claimants will no longer be entertained by any court or government in Europe or any other country,” he said.
Shafie congratulated those who had worked tirelessly in ensuring this victory for the country.
He said the party was against any attempt to violate the sovereignty of the country and fully supports efforts that protect the sovereignty, security and interest of the people of Malaysia.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that The Hague Court of Appeal in the Netherlands dismissed the Sulu claimants’ application for recognition and enforcement of a purported arbitral award of US$14.9 billion (RM62.59 billion) to be enforced in the Netherlands.
The announcement was welcomed by many Sabahan leaders including Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor who reiterated that the decision reaffirmed the State Government’s stand in not recognising the claim.
Hajiji said that the Sabah government will continue to work closely with the federal government until the so-called Sabah Claim is quashed.
