Sabah won’t be discussed during Rody’s Malaysia state visit

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ claim to Sabah is not likely to be discussed during President Duterte’s official visit to Malaysia.

Duterte said his visit would focus on bilateral cooperation and security issues including terrorism, piracy and illegal drugs. 

“Not at this time because my visit is just one day to focus on what is happening in the Malacca Strait,” Duterte told reporters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 when asked if he would raise the country’s Sabah claim during his official visit. 

“But what is important is that I can talk to him about issues, including the rebellion of the Moros in Jolo in the Zamboanga archipelago,” he added, apparently referring to Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak. 

Before assuming the presidency, Duterte promised to pursue the Philippines’ claim to Sabah, which is now being administered by Malaysia.

Asked last May if he would also recognize the claim of the sultanate of Sulu, Duterte replied: “Yes. What has been the policy will always be the policy of the government, especially those for the interest of the country. We have to stake our claim.”

The sultanate of Sulu used to rule over some areas in southern Philippines and Sabah. In 1963, the British government moved Sabah to the Federation of Malaysia. 

The Philippines claims that Sabah was not ceded but only leased to the British North Borneo Co. The heirs of the sultan of Sulu still receive lease payments for Sabah.

Malaysia claims though that the international community has been recognizing Sabah as part of its territory since the creation of the federation in 1963. 

In 2013, followers of then Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram entered Lahad Datu in Sabah to assert their rights over the area, resulting in clashes with Malaysian authorities.

 Two-country visit

Before flying to Malaysia, Duterte was scheduled to visit Thailand to pay his respects to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whom he described as “a true friend of the Philippines.”  

Duterte said his trip to Malaysia is part of his introductory visits to Southeast Asian countries.

He said he would meet with Najib to tackle ways to sustain growth in both countries, ensure peace and inclusive development.

“The focus of my visit shall be to strengthen the Philippines’ partnership with Malaysia for security and stability, these are the foundations of our nation’s peace process, progress and prosperity,” the President said. 

“Foremost on my agenda is maritime security and the fight against piracy at sea,” he added. 

Duterte said the Philippines and Malaysia should work together to ensure that waterways are secure and criminals and terrorists would not use these waters to undertake illegal activities. 

“I will also seek greater cooperation in the war against illicit drug trade. This menace knows no boundaries and cooperation between our nations is vital in order to address this problem,” he said.

“Bilateral defense, security and law enforcement efforts should be seen as supporting both our nations’ resolve to contribute to greater stability in Southeast Asia and in the larger region,” he added. 

Duterte said he and Najib would also discuss the peace process in Mindanao. Malaysia is the third party facilitator in the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“In my talk with the Prime Minister, I shall seek Malaysia’s continued support for the peace process in Southern Philippines,” the President said. 

Also on the agenda of Duterte’s visit is economic cooperation, including ways to boost trade and investments and support for the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area. 

“I will also use the occasion to identify other opportunities for broader collaboration with Malaysia,” Duterte said. 

The President will also meet with the Filipino community to discuss his programs and policies. 

“I am hopeful that my visit will move further forward as we pursue common aspiration for our peoples, our nations and our region,” Duterte said. 

No execution yet

 Meanwhile, the 27 Filipinos on death row in Malaysia are not scheduled for execution anytime soon as the country continues to review the cases, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Jose Eduardo Malaya III said.

In an interview at the Philippine embassy, Malaya said the Malaysian government instituted since 2013 an informal moratorium on the execution of those that have already been sentenced to die. All the cases are drug related.

“(The convictions) show how important it is to address or eradicate the drug menace in Malaysia, which has very stern policies against drug cases… Trafficking and smuggling is strictly prohibited and is severely punished by Malaysian law,” he said.

There has been a steady decline in Filipinos getting caught for illegal drugs as the execution and cases of those languishing in jail continue to have chilling effects, he added.

Malaya said the conditions of those on death row as well as reports on those who have been executed made many Filipino jobseekers think twice on the sweet talk of those who offer them easy money.

The Malaysian government is in the process of reviewing the cases of those on death row.