Measures to reclaim Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge finalised

09 Oct 2022 05:00pm

Pasukan Petugas Khas Semakan Undang-Undang Kes Kedaulatan Batu Puteh, Batuan Tengah dan Tubir Selatan telah membentangkan laporan berkaitannya dalam mesyuarat Jemaah Menteri.

PUTRAJAYA -- The government has finalised several measures which will be implemented in the quest to reclaim its sovereignity over the diplomatically contentious Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.

This was done after the special task force to review laws relating the issue implicating the Malaysia-Singapore maritime border has presented its final report to the Cabinet.

The matter was announced today by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.

He also said the special task force had also submitted several recommendations for the government's consideration for the purpose of appropriate follow-up actions including legal aspects, tort of misfeasance and Malaysia-Singapore ties.

"Various approaches have been implemented by the special task force such as studying and reviewing documentation and related materials, as well as holding discussions, making working visits within and outside the country, having consultations with legal experts and hydrographers, and interview sessions with identified individuals," he said in a statement today.

Wan Junaidi said the improvements proposed by the special task force were transparent, neutral and inclusive by considering the results of analysis, research and observations of its members.

"The establishment of the special task force is clear proof of the government's commitment to the best solution related to this matter and supports the country's foreign policy, among others, to maintain and defend Malaysia's independence, sovereignty and security.

The task force has completed its duties over a period of nine months, from November 9, 2021 to August 30, 2022.

On October 29 last year, the Cabinet agreed to form the task force, chaired by former Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali and comprising local lawyers who handled the case from 2016 to 2017, legal practitioners, maritime surveyors and representatives of the relevant ministries or departments.