Philippine-Malaysia Territorial Dispute – Italian Media: Malaysia and Manila Criticized Over Senator’s Remarks on Sabah and Oil

Malaysian political groups have condemned Philippine Senator Robin Padilla's claims regarding Malaysia's sovereignty over Sabah in northern Borneo, warning that such statements could exacerbate tensions within ASEAN. Padilla made these remarks as the Philippines grapples with a severe energy crisis, reigniting a dispute that dates back to the 19th century.

Kuala Lumpur (Asia News) – Malaysian youth political leaders and civil society organizations have strongly denounced the call by a Philippine senator reiterating Manila’s historical claim over Sabah, a state located in northern Borneo. They emphasized that such longstanding rhetoric risks undermining fragile regional diplomacy and damaging ASEAN unity.

Previously, Philippine Senator Robin Padilla issued a statement urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to advance the Philippines’ historic sovereignty claim over Sabah, highlighting the region’s abundant oil and gas resources amid the global energy crisis. Padilla presented Sabah as a potential solution to the Philippines’ energy challenges, sparking swift and strong reactions in Malaysia—particularly in Sabah, where sovereignty issues remain highly sensitive.

Nurhanani Dhamirah, Communications Director of PKR Youth Wing, labeled Padilla’s comments “irresponsible and provocative,” warning that linking territorial claims to oil resources could heighten geopolitical tensions across Southeast Asia. “This implies an attempt to politicize territorial disputes for partisan economic gain,” she said.

She added that such implications are extremely dangerous, as “we are currently at a critical moment requiring regional stability.” Nurhanani further stated that Sabah is “a legitimate and inseparable part of Malaysia,” and any effort to revive what she described as “outdated and baseless claims” contradicts international law and principles of peaceful coexistence.

The director called on Putrajaya to summon the Philippine ambassador to clarify the facts and strengthen Malaysia’s legal and historical stance on the Sabah issue internationally. She also urged enhanced security vigilance in Sabah’s waters and borders, echoing concerns stemming from the 2013 Lahad Datu incursion, when armed followers of a self-declared Sultan of Sulu entered Sabah and clashed fatally with Malaysian security forces.

In Sabah, political leaders took a more outspoken stance. Acting Chairperson of the United Sabah People’s Party Youth Wing, Azrul Ibrahim, rejected any attempt to portray Sabah as an economic resource for external powers. “Sabah is not a commodity to solve other nations' problems,” he said. “It is an inseparable part of a sovereign nation, whose status is unquestionable.” He implied that Senator Padilla’s remarks may be politically motivated, intended to divert attention from pressing domestic issues in the Philippines.

This response reflects long-standing public sentiment in Sabah, where the sovereignty issue is not merely a legal matter but deeply tied to people’s identity and survival. For many Sabah residents, the issue was effectively settled decades ago, as they participated in the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

The Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (ABIM), a prominent Islamic youth organization, also weighed in, calling the senator’s remarks “baseless and provocative.” The group expressed concern that such statements could undermine regional stability, particularly given that the Philippines currently holds the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN. “ASEAN’s strength lies in mutual respect, fairness, and non-interference,” it stated. “Any statement contrary to these principles may erode trust within the bloc."

Philippine claims to Sabah date back to the 19th century, when the Sultanate of Sulu exerted influence over parts of North Borneo. In 1878, the Sultan signed an agreement with the British North Borneo Company—an interpretation that has remained controversial: Britain (and later Malaysia) regarded the agreement as a permanent transfer of sovereignty, while the Sultanate of Sulu and the Philippines have consistently maintained it was merely a lease.

In 1963, under United Nations supervision, Sabah underwent a popular consultation process before joining the Federation of Malaysia. The majority of the population supported integration, a fact that Kuala Lumpur cites to uphold its sovereignty. The Philippines accepted this position in 1962, though in recent years, despite no formal renunciation, official diplomatic references to it have been notably absent.

The novelty of the latest statement lies in its explicit linkage of territorial claims to Sabah’s natural resources. Analysts note that referencing oil and gas wealth adds a new dimension to an already sensitive issue, redefining a historical dispute through a contemporary economic lens. At present, the issue remains largely rhetorical rather than a source of actual conflict.

Author: Joseph Masilamany

Original: toutiao.com/article/1861501427069063/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author