Musa: Sabah will continue to be part of Malaysia

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah does not acknowledge any claim by the Philippines on the state and will maintain the stand, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman (pic).

He said Sabah has never recognised or acknowledged any such claim and will continue to be a part of the Malaysian federation.

"Let me clearly state that Sabah is in Malaysia and has chosen to be and will continue to be a part of this sovereign nation since its formation," he said in a statement Friday in response to Philippines incoming President Rodrigo Duterte's intention to pursue the Sabah claim.

Musa added that the people of Sabah are enjoying peace, stability and economic prosperity within Malaysia.

"Our allegiance is to the Malaysian flag. The claim is irrelevant," he added.

Earlier, Duterte was quoted by the Philippine Star as saying that he will pursue the Philippines’ claim on Sabah.

He also said he will recognise the claim of the Sulu sultanate as "what has been the policy will always be the policy of the government, especially those for the interests of the country".