No evidence Philippine gov't involved with Sulu group's claims - PM
14 Jun 2023 11:18pm
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim - FILE PIX
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"Based on our checks so far, there has been no proof of the Philippine government’s involvement with the claims. I have held two rounds of talks with Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong” Marcos Jr, and we are definitely concerned about this matter. But it (claims) did not involve the Philippine government.
"The Malaysian government is firm in its stance, and they (the Philippines) know that. Bilateral relations remain good despite the claims but they have not affected the interests of Sabah as an independent and sovereign region with Malaysia,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said the Philippine government’s reluctance to establish a Consular Office in Sabah did not at all affect the decision that Sabah is an inalienable part of Malaysia.
Anwar also gave his assurance that the government would defend the rights and sovereignty of the country and oppose every ‘attack’ by the group.
The prime minister said this when explaining the claims made by the so-called heirs of the Sulu Sultan, in response to the views of several Members of Parliament.
Earlier, Datuk Seri Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) and Datuk Khlir Mohd Nor (PN-Ketereh) asked whether there was any involvement of the Philippine government with the claims and regarding the republic’s refusal to set up a Consular Office in Sabah.
During the explanation session, the prime minister also stressed that the government would not hesitate to take legal action based on the country’s criminal laws against any parties, including Malaysians, who give any form of support to or collaborate with the Sulu claimants.
Anwar said the government would continue to go all out and fight these claims to safeguard the interests and sovereignty of Malaysia - BERNAMA
