A VETERAN congressman in the House of Representatives has recommended that the government revive the claim to Sabah if Malaysia continues to oppose the Philippines’ two new maritime laws.
Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez made the recommendation because, aside from China, Malaysia is also protesting the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Law signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The two laws assert the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), which China continues to claim based on its nine-dash-line, a line drawn on a map that is considered imaginary by many countries. However, Malaysia is also opposing these laws.
“Malaysia has no basis for its protest because the reference materials are not part of the two laws. The laws are to be taken in their import and the meaning of their provisions. They do not mention our country’s claim to Sabah,”
“If Malaysia strongly protests our new maritime zones and archipelagic sea lanes laws, I suggest the Philippine government strongly revive our claim to Sabah, which rightfully belongs to the Philippines by historic right or legal title!,” the congressman said.
Sabah is reportedly leased by Malaysia from the heirs of a Sultan in Sulu, but they later claimed it outright, leading to disagreements between the two countries in the past.
However, Malaysia is reportedly concerned about the Philippines’ two new laws because of the Sabah issue, which the Philippines seems to be neglecting and no longer pursuing.
Rodriguez explained that the two laws are related to the 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone in the West Philippine Sea and do not include Sabah. He is puzzled as to why Malaysia is protesting.
“Their enactment sends a strong signal to our neighbors and the world of our resolve to defend what is ours under international law and to preserve and exploit resources within our exclusive economic zone for the benefit of all Filipinos,” the lawmaker said.
However, if Malaysia continues its protest, he said that it is only right to revive the Philippines’ claim to Sabah.
