Procedures adhered to in Sabah-Sarawak border alignment talks with Indonesia, says minister

KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 5): The government has adhered to all procedures in negotiations related to the Malaysia-Indonesia border alignment issue involving Sabah and Sarawak, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.

He said the government had engaged with all relevant parties and agencies, especially the Sabah and Sarawak state governments.

“So this means it is clear that procedures were adhered to, and it is not as alleged by various parties as if we had betrayed this country,” he told reporters after receiving a courtesy call from Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) chief commissioner Mohammad Abiddin here today.

At the ceremony, Mustapha also received his letter of appointment as APM honorary commissioner from Mohammad.

Commenting further on the Sabah border issue, Mustapha said he also agreed with and supported Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks that consensus and diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Indonesia must be preserved.

He therefore stressed the importance for all parties not to spread unverified information that could strain relations with the neighbouring country.

Mustapha suggested that any questions or doubts be brought to the negotiating table with the relevant ministries and agencies to obtain accurate clarification.

Yesterday in Parliament, Anwar strongly rejected claims that Malaysia had handed over 5,207 hectares of land to Indonesia as compensation for three villages in the Nunukan area along the Sabah–Kalimantan border, describing the allegation as a baseless falsehood.

Meanwhile, commenting on his appointment as APM honorary commissioner, Mustapha expressed his appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for the trust placed in him to assist in managing disasters in the country.

“This is quite a challenging task, but I will remain committed to helping, especially in Sabah and Sarawak. I will also go to Peninsular Malaysia to observe, monitor and visit disaster-hit areas,” he said. – Bernama