KUCHING: A statement made by Philippine Senator Robin Padilla, urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to revive the Philippines’ claim over Sabah amid rising oil prices due to the Middle East crisis, is merely rhetoric and should be ignored, said Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He said the issue had been settled, citing Malaysia’s strong ties within ASEAN members, with the Philippines also holding the ASEAN Chair this year.
Abdul Karim added that the claims made by the senator are coming from an individual who does not have any clout.
“It is a rhetorical question that create ripples when it came up, pressuring Malaysia to respond,” he told a press conference in conjunction with the Ministry’s Hari Raya open house held here today (Mar 29).
Earlier, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia has also consistently sent diplomatic notes regarding claims over Sabah.
He said that the Philippines may raise the Sabah issue, but Malaysia firmly rejects the claims as unfounded and sees no need to formally object, only to dismiss it outright.
