THE rejection by the Spanish Constitutional Court against the appeal filed by the self-proclaimed “heirs” of the defunct Sulu sultanate over the annulment of the appointment of the dispute arbitrator proves that the claim against Sabah is baseless, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“We are relieved because the claim (by the group) has been rejected by the relevant parties in Spain and France,” he said.
He said the court’s decision was welcomed by the Sabah Government and the people of the State, who since 1963, had a clear stand to form and be part of Malaysia.
“We are happy (with the court’s decision)... this shows that the claim is completely baseless.
“We leave it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Minister responsible to resolve this issue,” he told reporters after handing over four-wheel drive vehicles to the 21 area offices of the Community Leaders Unit at Menara Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Feb 3.
On Feb 2, it was reported that the Spanish Constitutional Court upheld the annulment of Dr Gonzalo Stampa’s appointment as arbitrator in the Sulu dispute.
Following the ruling, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Constitutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the decision not only reaffirmed Malaysia’s position but also the country’s legal position that has been asserted since the dispute began.
In February 2022, a French arbitration court had instructed the Federal Government to pay US$14.92 billion (RM62.59 billion) to the descendants of the last sultan of Sulu.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said the provision or contribution of vehicles to the respective UPPMs is apt as it would enhance works carried out by the respective community leaders in playing their roles to serve the local community.
He said the vehicles would not only enhance work visits but also ensure that work implementation in various areas in the State are carried out smoothly.
“I hope with these official vehicles, the respective UPPM leaders as well as officers will be able to carry out their tasks and responsibilities smoother and efficiently as entrusted to them,” he said.
Earlier, some 21 UPPM offices from Sulaman, Petagas, Tanjung Keramat, Segama, Gum-Gum, Bongawan, Tanjung Kapor, Kadamaian, Tamparuli, Inanam, Likas, Luyang, Tanjung Aru, Moyog, Membakut, Kundasang, Melalap, Sekong, Karamunting, Sulabayan and Merotai were presented with the official vehicles.
Seven vehicles were also provided to seven UPPM offices from Karanaan, Kiulu, Tambunan, Sindumin, Lumadan, Nabawan and Labuk on Oct 25, 2022. He also said this presentation of official vehicles would involve each UPPM office with a total of 73 constituencies for the respective community leaders and officers in rural and urban areas in Sabah.
Also present were State Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Haji Safar Untong, State Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Mohd Sofian Alfian Nair, Sabah Foundation Director Datuk Ghulamhaidar Khan Bahadar and State UPPM Director Datuk Awang Kadin Tang.
