13-6-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim addressed concerns on Tuesday (Jun 13) regarding the recently signed treaties with Indonesia, emphasizing that they were in accordance with established rules and were only finalized after extensive consultations with various government agencies.
During the Prime Minister’s Question and Answer Session (PMQ) in parliament, Anwar stated, “On Jun 8, (Indonesian President Joko Widodo and I) reached an agreement based on principles that prioritize our shared interests and adhere to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.”
Anwar stressed that the treaties were signed following consultations with the Maritime Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry, the National Security Council, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC), the Department of Survey and Mapping, and the National Hydrographic Centre.
The two agreements in question are the “Treaty Relating to the Delimitation of the Territorial Seas of the Two Countries in the Southernmost Part of the Melaka Straits” and the “Treaty between Malaysia and Indonesia Relating to the Delimitation of the Territorial Seas of the Two Countries in the Sulawesi Sea.”
Anwar further clarified, “After examining the maritime boundaries and conducting final meetings with me, we were satisfied and proceeded to sign the treaties. The technical, legal, and economic aspects were thoroughly agreed upon and reviewed by both Malaysia and Indonesia.”
Importantly, Anwar highlighted that the treaties do not involve territories that are still under dispute. “The treaty does not include areas that are still subject to dispute, such as Pulau Sebatik near Sabah and the limits near the Port of Tanjung Pelepas in Johor,” he assured.
Anwar’s statements were made in response to questions raised by Kota Bharu Member of Parliament (MP) Takiyuddin Hassan, who expressed concerns about potential harm to Malaysia and its sovereign rights resulting from the treaties. Additionally, Pagoh MP Muhyiddin Yassin sought guarantees from Anwar that Malaysia would not compromise on territories claimed by the country in future negotiations with Indonesia.
In response, the prime minister affirmed Malaysia’s commitment to protecting its national sovereignty, stating, “Our ultimate position is that we cannot sacrifice even an inch of our country’s land.”
The concerns and questions raised by Muhyiddin come in the wake of Saturday’s rally in Negeri Sembilan, where he questioned whether the agreements signed with Indonesia implied compromising on matters related to national sovereignty and international borders. Muhyiddin expressed unease and revealed that during his tenure as prime minister, maritime experts had advised against signing such an agreement.
Last Thursday, during President Widodo’s visit to Malaysia, the two countries signed bilateral instruments pertaining to border crossings, trade, cooperation in investment promotions, mutual recognition of halal certification for domestic products, as well as the two treaties concerning the delimitation of territorial seas.
Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the agreements, with Widodo acknowledging that it took 18 years to resolve certain issues. In a joint statement, they emphasized that the signed treaties provide a solid foundation for future maritime boundary negotiations and committed to resolving other land boundary matters by June 2024.
