Sabah’s Sovereignty in Malaysia Has Never Wavered

Any group claiming sovereignty over Sabah is nothing but a frivolous attempt to disrupt the state's peace. These frivolous attempts are tantamount to threatening the sovereignty of Malaysia. These were the words of - and assurance by - Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor on 10 March 2024.

Hajiji reiterated the State Government stance throughout history: that the people of Sabah strongly rejects any external claim on Sabah. These claims are akin to questioning the state's sovereignty in the Federation of Malaysia. The Federal Government has also simultaneously dismissed another recent claim by a so-called group called the United Tausug Citizens (UTC). Hajiji said Sabah and Malaysia are strongly backed and recognised by the global community and the United Nations on this matter.

Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya formed the Malaysia Federation through the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63). The previous claim a few years ago by the so-called heir of the defunct Sulu Sultanate was formally rejected by the international community and the saga ended with the imprisonment of the arbitrator, Gonzalo Stampa.