Malaysia has never acknowledged the Philippines’ claim over Sabah, reaffirming that the state remains an integral part of the Federation of Malaysia and is recognised by the international community.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that Sabah’s position within Malaysia is grounded in international recognition and historical facts, including the principle of self-determination exercised by the people of Sabah.
Citing the United Nations (UN), the ministry noted that the Cobbold Commission Report dated Aug 1, 1962 found that more than two-thirds of Sabahans at the time supported joining the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.
On Sept 14, 1963, the UN Secretary-General reported to the UN General Assembly that the people of Sabah had agreed to the state’s participation in Malaysia.
Sabah is part of the Federation of Malaysia and is recognised by the international community highlighting that Malaysia has never recognised any foreign claim over the state.
Separately, on Malaysia’s border issues with Indonesia, the ministry said land boundary demarcation in Sabah and Sarawak is carried out based on existing legal instruments, including conventions and agreements signed between the British and Dutch governments in 1891, 1915 and 1928.
The demarcation process, it stressed, is technical in nature and conducted strictly in accordance with established treaties — not based on notions of “gain or loss”.
Malaysia and Indonesia continue to address outstanding land and maritime boundary matters through the Joint Boundary Committee and technical meetings on maritime delimitation.
