PRESS STATEMENT
I view with serious concern reports quoting a statement by the Chief of the Presidential Staff Office of Indonesia, Muhammad Qodari, alleging that an area of 127.3 hectares on Pulau Sebatik, which was previously within Malaysian territory, has now been officially confirmed as belonging to Indonesia.
Such a statement risks misleading public perception in the absence of official confirmation from the Malaysian government. The determination of international boundaries is not a trivial matter and cannot be declared unilaterally. It must go through mutual agreement and be officially confirmed by both countries.
The status of Pulau Sebatik is indeed unique, as it has long been divided between Malaysia and Indonesia. However, any “changes” are usually technical boundary adjustments (demarcation), rather than a significant transfer of territory as suggested. While 127.3 hectares may sound small, it is equivalent to approximately 180 football fields and is even larger than areas such as KLCC Park. It remains a significant area, particularly when it relates to national borders and sovereignty.
In this regard, I urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia to provide an immediate, clear, and detailed explanation to the public, especially the people of Sabah, regarding the actual status of this matter. The public deserves to know whether this is merely a technical boundary adjustment or a genuine change in territorial sovereignty.
More importantly, serious questions arise as to why a matter involving the interests and boundaries of Sabah was neither presented nor communicated in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly. Sabah should not be sidelined in any decision involving its land and sovereignty.
I am of the view that the Sabah State Government must come forward to provide a transparent explanation and ensure that any negotiations or agreements do not compromise the interests of the state and its people. If there are indeed any changes, the matter should be openly debated in the State Assembly, whether through a special motion or formal debate.
Any boundary adjustment may have direct implications on local communities, including land ownership, security, cross-border economic activities, as well as natural resources such as minerals and marine resources. Therefore, transparency and accountability are crucial in this matter.
I stress that territorial sovereignty is not something to be taken lightly. The people of Sabah deserve the truth, not merely narratives based on external statements.
THAM YUN FOOK
ADUN N19 Likas
16 April 2026
