Value of international dispute settlement process

Pulau Batu Puteh (file pic)

ON June 30, Malaysia filed an additional application to the Interna­tional Court of Justice (ICJ) to have the 2008 decision by the court relating to sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh (pic), Middle Rocks and South Ledge interpreted. This followed an application made on Feb 2, 2017 for the 2008 decision to be revised based on the finding of several new facts.

As these applications remain pending in the ICJ, it is important for us to reflect on the true value for countries to participate in the international dispute settlement process, particularly before international courts and tribunals.