‘Every inch of Sabah will be defended': Anwar denies deal over disputed Sulawesi waters
Anwar dismissed claims that he had ignored the state's sovereignty over the oil-rich region in the Sulawesi Sea and said any agreement must involve both the Sabah state government and the state legislative assembly.
'This is a border issue between two countries, and Indonesia is an ally. President Prabowo is my personal friend, a family friend. I want it to be a good relationship.
'We talked about Sulawesi, and I wanted Hajiji to hear for himself, and give his view. We will discuss perimeters, following maritime laws, following history. It must be approved by the state government and subsequently the state legislative assembly.
'We will negotiate it properly, without surrendering. This was all in the meeting, not just under-the-table talk,' he said here today.
Anwar said the matter was recently raised in Parliament, where it was suggested the dispute had already been settled — a claim he denied.
'We will protect every inch of Sabah. I will defend this principle. I chose to answer this now because we are defending Sabah on behalf of the federal government,' he said.
Located in the Sulawesi Sea off Sabah's east coast near Tawau, the Ambalat Block has long been claimed by both Malaysia and Indonesia, primarily due to its oil and gas potential.
Tensions flared in the early 2000s when both countries issued overlapping exploration concessions — Indonesia to ENI and Unocal, and Malaysia, via Petronas, to Shell.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
PAS leaders may have broken laws with cow, bull analogy, says minister
Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said the PAS leaders may have breached several provisions in the Penal Code with their remarks. PETALING JAYA : Law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said PAS leaders may have broken several laws by comparing women leaders to animals and citing the Quran in defending the analogy. In a post on X, Azalina said the PAS leaders may have breached several provisions, namely Sections 509, 504 and 298A of the Penal Code. The three sections deal with insulting the modesty of a person, intentional insult to provoke a breach of the peace, and actions that cause disharmony, respectively. She did not name the leaders, but uploaded two articles which identified Maran PAS Youth information chief Salman Al Farisi and party deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man. 'To whom it may concern: if you are still comparing women leaders to animals in 2025, congrats! 'Do better, or lawyer up,' she said, in an apparent sarcastic jab at Salman and Tuan Ibrahim, who had defended the youth leader. Azalina also said those who incorporated religion into their argument could be committing an offence under Section 507B of the Penal Code that deals with insulting words. On Monday, Malaysiakini reported Salman as comparing men to bulls, and women to cows when emphasising the importance of men in leadership roles, based on his experience in livestock farming. Salman had claimed that a cow would usually lead the herd, while bulls serve to protect the herd. He said society should, therefore, avoid elevating women to leadership positions, and that men should assume leadership roles in accordance with Quranic teachings. Earlier today, Tuan Ibrahim defended Salman, saying such analogies were used in literary works and not meant to degrade women. 'In Islamic literature in the past, there are works such as 'Kalilah wa Dimnah', which are filled with analogies and stories about animals, used to convey teachings and moral values,' he was quoted as saying. He said he saw nothing sexist about Salman's remark.
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar: ACWA Power investment to boost Malaysia's green energy drive
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has welcomed Saudi Arabian firm ACWA Power's decision to choose Malaysia as its main hub in Southeast Asia. Anwar, in a post on Facebook, said the global leader in renewable energy and green hydrogen is expected to collaborate with local partners to spearhead major energy projects. "This is another positive development resulting from the close Malaysia-Saudi Arabia cooperation, particularly following my meeting with the founder of ACWA Power during the Asean-GCC Summit (in May). "This investment recognises Malaysia's energy transition policy, creates high-skilled job opportunities, and drives technology transfer," he said. Anwar added that ACWA Power is now forging a strategic partnership with Tenaga Nasional Bhd, UEM Lestra and Terengganu Inc. to develop renewable energy, hydrogen and combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) projects, in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). This commitment, he said, further strengthens Malaysia's position as a key player in sustainable energy in the region and supports efforts towards a low-carbon economy.
Free Malaysia Today
6 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
I can't erase my history, but I vow to protect judicial independence, says new CJ
Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh is Malaysia's 11th chief justice. PUTRAJAYA : Newly appointed Chief Justice Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh has pledged to defend the independence of the judiciary, despite his past in politics. Wan Farid acknowledged his unique background, having served in all three branches of government. 'I cannot erase my history, political or otherwise. Nor do I want to. That is who I am,' he said in his maiden speech to members of the legal fraternity today. 'But as I assume this role and for as long as I occupy this chair, I give my unconditional pledge that I will vigorously protect and relentlessly safeguard the independence of this branch with every fibre of my being,' he said. Wan Farid, a former Umno member who previously served as a deputy minister and a senator, said the judiciary must remain a reliable avenue of recourse for both the public and the government. 'We (judges) should not fail them. In any decision (made by the courts), it is impossible to please everyone. This is something we expect,' he said. 'In whatever decision we make, we must ensure that the losing party walks out of our courtrooms feeling satisfied that they were given the right to be heard, to present their evidence and be given their day,' he said. Backlogs of cases will be resolved Wan Farid also said the judiciary will work towards resolving the courts' backlog of cases. 'I am happy to inform you that we are working with the government on increasing the number of courtrooms and appointing additional judicial commissioners. 'We will assign circuit judges and judicial commissioners in various stations (locations) to hear ageing cases and dispose of them within a specified period,' he said. He also said Federal Court and Court of Appeal circuit sittings would resume, allowing litigants outside the Klang Valley to observe proceedings of the apex courts.
