Kundasang: Sabah can’t afford to repeat past mistakes where decisions concerning Sabah’s territories and resources or change of boundaries were made by the Federal Government without consultation.
Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (PKAN) President Datuk Henrynus Amin said the people of Sabah deserve to be at the table when decisions are made about their future and resources.
He said this in a statement supporting Dr Raymond Alfred, Chairman of BIMP-EAGA, regarding the crucial need for Sabah’s direct involvement in any decisions concerning the Ambalat Block.
Henrynus acknowledged that the disputed maritime area in the Celebes Sea is believed to hold significant oil and gas reserves and its future must be determined with Sabah’s interests at its core.
While acknowledging that this arrangement is for joint management rather than a unilateral cession, he firmly asserted that the agreement must include Sabah’s participation.
“It is imperative that Sabah is fully consulted and involved in any agreement pertaining to the Ambalat Block.
“This is because we cannot afford a repeat of past mistakes. The decisions concerning Sabah’s territories and resources or change of boundaries were made by the Federal Government without our consultation,” he added.
Henrynus’ statement followed reports of an agreement between Malaysia and Indonesia to jointly manage the Ambalat Block, announced on June 27.
He referenced the regrettable loss of Blocks L and M to Brunei through an “Exchange of Letters” agreement between Malaysia and Brunei on March 16, 2009.
He highlighted that the Federal Government formally recognised Brunei’s sovereign rights over these two offshore oil and gas exploration areas without consulting the State Government as part of the resolution of long-standing territorial disputes.
He stressed that the cession of Blocks L & M effectively changed the territorial boundaries of Sabah, which should be invalid without Sabah’s expressed consent.
The Ambalat Block, located off the east coast of Borneo, lies near the maritime boundary between Indonesia’s North Kalimantan province and Sabah.
Indonesia has historically asserted its claim over Ambalat since 1980, citing the Djuanda Declaration of 1957, positioning the region within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Henrynus emphasized that under international law, there is a growing recognition of the need to consider the interests and will of populations directly affected by boundary changes or resource exploitation.
He highlighted the principle of self-determination, asserting the right for local populations to have their desires and interests considered when their future is being decided, particularly in boundary-making.
“The concept of ‘Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)’ is gaining significant traction in modern international law, especially concerning indigenous lands and resources.
“Although the Ambalat agreement is currently for joint management, any long-term exploitation of these resources must involve consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the State Government.
“Don’t forget the right of the and potentially affected local communities to ensure their rights and interests are fully respected.”
As published on Daily Express on 04/07/2025 (https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/261732/sabah-must-be-consulted-regarding-ambalat-says-pkan/)
