Jeffrey Kitingan rejects Philippine claims over Sabah

Jeffrey Kitingan, President of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR), has rejected calls by Philippine Senator Robin Padilla to revive the Philippines’ claim over Sabah. Kitingan described the remarks as “utterly nonsensical, baseless, and devoid of any legal or historical merit,” suggesting they are a political tactic intended to divert attention from internal issues in the Philippines, particularly ahead of elections.

Senator Padilla had urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr to revisit the claim, arguing that Sabah’s oil and gas resources could address the Philippines’ energy crisis. Kitingan countered that Sabah is a sovereign state within the Federation of Malaysia and is not a solution to the Philippines’ problems.

In defending Sabah's sovereignty, Kitingan cited historical legal foundations, including the 1878 Agreement and the 1903 Confirmatory Deed, asserting that the original agreement was a transfer of governing rights rather than a mere lease. He also referenced the 1939 Macaskie Judgment, which ruled the 1878 grant was a cession or sale. Kitingan called on the Philippine government to respect Malaysia’s territorial integrity to maintain regional peace and stability.