Press Statement: Loi Kok Liang and Samuel Wong: On the Sebatik Boundary Issue, the People of Sabah Deserve Truth, Respect and Accountability
Date: 17 April 2026
The recent issue concerning the realignment of the boundary at Pulau Sebatik has drawn widespread concern among the people of Sabah. The State Government had earlier denied that any land was handed over to Indonesia, yet a Federal Minister later stated that following the boundary adjustment, 123 hectares are now within Indonesian territory, while Malaysia gained an additional 5 hectares.
We believe that the people do not want conflicting statements. What they deserve is a full, clear and responsible explanation.
This matter is no longer merely about numbers. It raises three fundamental questions:
First, was the Sabah Government officially involved in the Malaysia-Indonesia Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in February 2025?
If the Sabah Government was indeed involved, then it should clearly state who represented Sabah, when Sabah was involved, at what level the participation took place, and what position Sabah took during the negotiations.
Second, should any matter involving Sabah’s land and territorial boundaries first be discussed in the Sabah State Legislative Assembly and receive formal consent from the State Government?
Boundary issues are not merely technical or diplomatic matters. They directly concern Sabah’s territorial limits, state rights and the sentiments of its people.
Any arrangement involving Sabah land should not bypass the State Government and the State Legislative Assembly.
The State Assembly is the democratic institution elected by the people. Matters of such importance should be openly debated and receive clear approval, in line with the principle of respecting the will of the people of Sabah.
Third, does this matter stand on proper procedural and principled grounds?
If territorial boundary adjustments were made without clear explanation, without sufficient discussion, and without transparent disclosure, it is not only difficult for the people to accept, but it also raises serious questions as to whether the process complied with proper standards of fairness and governance.
We are not opposed to negotiations conducted at the national level. However, whenever Sabah’s boundaries, territory and sovereignty are involved, the people must be clearly informed of the process, the basis and the outcome.
We cannot afford to lose even one more inch of land that belongs to Sabah.
At the same time, what concerns us even more is whether matters affecting Sabah’s major rights are handled with transparency, respect for state rights, and accountability to the people.
Because if land can be lost today while the people remain unclear about the truth, then more rights may be lost tomorrow in silence.
We ask the Government to explain and come clean on this matter. The people of Sabah deserve the truth, full transparency, and clear accountability. Sabah’s rights must never be taken lightly.
YB Loi Kok Liang
State Assemblyman for Api-Api
YB Samuel Wong
State Assemblyman for Luyang
