Rodrigo Duterte has been dubbed as the “Filipino Trump” or “The Punisher” by the Asian press for making controversial remarks ever since he ran for President in the Philippines. Earlier in May, Duterte's dream of becoming president eventually came true when he won the presidential election. He will take over the office effective June 30th.
Rodrigo Duterte (Image: Reuters)
Just a few weeks after winning the election, Duterte told reporters during a press conference over his interest in claiming over Sabah. He also stated that his administration would assert the claims of the Kiram clan that Sabah is a Sulu sultanate territory. Yes, it is the same Kiram clan who attacked Lahad Datu in 2013 to stake their claim on Sabah in the name of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III.
The Malaysian government was swift to issue a statement following Duterte’s claims. Wisma Putra has expressed that the government will not entertain or dismiss any claims on Sabah from any parties. This is due to the fact that Sabah has been recognized as apart of Malaysia by the United Nations (UN) and the rest of the world since 16th September 1963.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Masidi Manjun told Malaysians not to worry, as this is nothing new.
“It’s the same old song, new singer. I am not the least surprised. Why should we worry? We have been hearing the same song since 1963,” he said.
Sabah has pretty much everything to offer; they have world-class beaches and coral reefs, amazing culture, and the ever awesome Mount Kinabalu. It's no surprise if anyone wants to try to claim Sabah as their own land. Well, let’s see how Duterte will react to this and how far would he go in order to stake his claim. Will the Filipinos be singing the same tune for the years to come? Only time will tell.
Rodrigo Duterte (Image: Reuters)
The Malaysian government was swift to issue a statement following Duterte’s claims. Wisma Putra has expressed that the government will not entertain or dismiss any claims on Sabah from any parties. This is due to the fact that Sabah has been recognized as apart of Malaysia by the United Nations (UN) and the rest of the world since 16th September 1963.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Masidi Manjun told Malaysians not to worry, as this is nothing new.
“It’s the same old song, new singer. I am not the least surprised. Why should we worry? We have been hearing the same song since 1963,” he said.
Sabah has pretty much everything to offer; they have world-class beaches and coral reefs, amazing culture, and the ever awesome Mount Kinabalu. It's no surprise if anyone wants to try to claim Sabah as their own land. Well, let’s see how Duterte will react to this and how far would he go in order to stake his claim. Will the Filipinos be singing the same tune for the years to come? Only time will tell.
