Tok Mat: Wisma Putra ready to brief lawmakers on Sulawesi Sea issue 

PARLIAMENT | Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan has offered to lead a full briefing by Wisma Putra on the Sulawesi Sea maritime dispute, cautioning against turning the sensitive issue into political ammunition, especially in Sabah.

Addressing the Dewan Rakyat today, he reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to ongoing technical and diplomatic talks with Indonesia to resolve the long-standing territorial disagreement.

“Finalising (an agreement) is indeed our priority. But to finalise it, it has to be negotiated so that both parties agree. If we only agree, but the other side doesn’t, the problem won’t be resolved.

“That’s why the technical committee is constantly negotiating and ensuring that in those negotiations, the country’s sovereignty - especially the rights of Sabah - is safeguarded,” he said, responding to Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (Warisan-Kota Belud).

Isnaraissah had earlier pressed the government to speed up efforts in resolving the dispute and to stand firm in defending Malaysia’s territorial integrity.

At the heart of the dispute is a resource-rich area in the Celebes Sea - off the east coast of Sabah and North Kalimantan - where overlapping claims by Malaysia and Indonesia remain unresolved.

The waters are believed to hold valuable oil and gas deposits, raising the strategic and economic stakes.

Clear things up before polls

To enhance transparency and understanding among policymakers, Mohamad, who is known as Tok Mat, said officials from Wisma Putra’s maritime division are ready to brief lawmakers from the Dewan Rakyat, Dewan Negara, and the Sabah state legislative assembly.

“That’s not an issue. We can find a suitable date so that all parties understand. This is so the issue doesn’t continue to be played up, doesn’t remain a thorn in the side, and doesn’t become a source of slander… especially with the state election coming up soon.

“We don’t want it to be something that can be used to mislead the people, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak,” he added.

Amid recent speculation, Mohamad also made clear that no decision has been made on any proposed joint development with Indonesia in the disputed waters, pending the conclusion of bilateral negotiations.

Reporting by Alyaa Alhadjri, Zarrah Morden, and B Nantha Kumar

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