KUALA LUMPUR: The unity government will not compromise on defending the country’s sovereignty and will never tolerate any demands, including over Sabah, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"Regarding the Philippines' claim over Sabah, the Malaysian government has made a firm statement that we will not compromise even an inch of our land and that we will never get involved in any negotiations involving the rights and sovereignty of our country,” the Prime Minister said on Tuesday (July 30).
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Nevertheless, Anwar said the diplomatic relationship between Malaysia and the Philippines remains good, and he himself still maintains a very good and close relationship with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
"Therefore, this channel (relationship) should be used to maintain security.
"Our security forces should understand that history has proven that (intrusions and) attacks like the one that occurred in Sabah a few years ago happened in unexpected circumstances,” he said when launching the National Security Month celebration in Putrajaya on Tuesday.
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Prior to this, a video went viral on social media containing baseless, misleading content disputing the sovereignty of the state of Sabah.
On Monday (July 29), the Foreign Ministry reiterated the government’s long-standing position that Sabah has always been an integral part of Malaysia.
According to the statement, Sabah has been recognised by the United Nations (UN) and the international community as part of Malaysia since the formation of the Federation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.
"The ministry is undertaking a thorough investigation in cooperation with the relevant ministries and agencies on the matter,” the statement read. – Bernama
