SANDAKAN: Sabah’s east coast communities can now live in peace, free from the threat of the Sulu heirs’ claim over Sabah following the recent decision by the Paris Court of Appeal.
Kampung Gum-Gum leader Mohd Zarul Midi said the decision clearly affirms Sabah’s status as an integral part of Malaysia.
He described the decision as a major legal victory and proof that the country was on the right track in defending Sabah’s rightful place as part of Malaysia.
He added that Sabah’s status as part of Malaysia must now be accepted without future claims made based on distorted history and facts.
He said the ruling also strengthened public security while boosting confidence in the state’s economy and tourism sector.
Eight Philippine nationals claiming to be heirs of the now-defunct Sulu Sultanate had earlier initiated arbitration proceedings in Spain, seeking billions in compensation from Malaysia over Sabah.
In February 2022, they obtained the purported final award of US$14.92bil in an arbitration proceeding against the Malaysian government.
On June 6, 2023, the Paris Court of Appeal refused recognition and enforcement of the “Partial Award” issued on May 25, 2020 on the same grounds.
Subsequently, on Nov 6 last year, the French Supreme Court dismissed in full the challenge filed by the claimants against the decision of the Paris Court of Appeal.
On Dec 9, the Paris Court of Appeal annulled the “Final Award” and ordered the claimants to pay €200,000 (RM957,140) in costs to Malaysia.
Reflecting on the past intrusion in Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu, Mohd Zarul said residents now feel a greater sense of security along Sabah’s east coast, largely due to the presence of the Eastern Sabah Security Command.
In Lahad Datu, Kampung Sabah Baru 2 community leader Mohamad Otuh Saleh credited the legal outcome to the determined and firm approach taken by both Sabah and federal leaders in handling the dispute.
“Those who supported this claim will be intimidated. Sabah is a sovereign territory,” he told Bernama.
