KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman today condemned an accusation made by Parti Warisan Sabah secretary-general Loretto Padua Jr, that the government is not keen on conclusively resolving the claim made by the Philippines on Sabah.
Labeling the accusation as baseless, provocative and misleading, Anifah reiterated the government’s position that the Philippines’ claim was without basis.
“Sabah has been recognised by the United Nations and the international community as part of Malaysia since its formation on Sept 16, 1963.
“As such, Malaysia does not recognise and will not entertain any claims by any party on Sabah,” Anifah said in a statement today.
He took aim at Parti Warisan Sabah founder and president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, whom he said as a veteran member of parliament, is well acquainted with the government’s position.
“By the same token, he is also well aware that this matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Foreign Minister, not the Defence Minister.
“His (Shafie) party’s subsequent response is mostly an attempt to show confusion and mislead the people,” he said.
Anifah added that this is disappointing since matter of this importance and sensitivity must not be the subject of “gutter politics.”