KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government must table a debate on the ongoing border demarcation talks involving Pulau Sebatik, amid conflicting claims over the issue, says Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
The Parti Warisan president said senior Indonesian officials had publicly cited specific figures indicating that more than 127.3ha of land on the island would fall under their territory following the talks. However, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has dismissed the claim without providing details.
“This is not how matters of sovereignty should be handled. Sabahans are entitled to know what has been discussed, what has been agreed, and whether any position has already been taken on their behalf,” said Shafie, who is also the state opposition leader, in a statement on Thursday (April 16).
He said the lack of clarity over the talks had deepened public concern, stressing that the state’s position must be explained at the upcoming State Legislative Assembly sitting later this month.
“Sabahans cannot be expected to rely on fragments of information while another country speaks in specifics. The state government must take a clear and firm position, as silence will only deepen doubt,” he said.
Shafie also pointed to Article 2(b) of the Federal Constitution, which requires the consent of the State Legislature and the Conference of Rulers for any alteration of state boundaries.
“Any action bypassing this process would raise serious constitutional implications,” he said.
While acknowledging that negotiations between countries are normal, he stressed that discussions do not amount to an agreement.
“Any decision affecting Sabah’s territory must be brought before the Sabah State Legislative Assembly and comply fully with constitutional requirements.
“As far as is publicly known, this matter has neither been presented nor debated in the Assembly,” he added.
Earlier on Thursday, Hajiji denied Indonesian media reports quoting Indonesian Presidential Chief of Staff Muhammad Qodari as saying that 127.3ha of land on Sabah’s Pulau Sebatik had fallen under Indonesian territory following a border adjustment.
Qodari reportedly said the demarcation was the result of peaceful diplomacy between Malaysia and Indonesia, adding that Malaysia received only 4.9ha in exchange.
Pulau Sebatik, located off Tawau on Sabah’s east coast, is shared between Malaysia and Indonesia’s North Kalimantan province.
