KUALA LUMPUR: The French Supreme Court has fully dismissed the challenge filed by individuals claiming to be the heirs of the defunct Sulu sultanate, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
In a post on her social media accounts yesterday, Azalina described the verdict as a historical and significant victory for the country.
She added that the decision further solidifies Malaysia's position in the long-running dispute over a defunct 19th-century agreement.
"This important decision means that the initial basis for the sham Final Award that ordered Malaysia to pay US$15 billion, is not recognised under French law.
"The Paris Court of Appeal will now proceed, in due course, to annul the so-called Final Award rendered by Dr (Gonzalo) Stampa, and will definitively settle the matter in favour of the Malaysian people," she wrote in the posting.
She said the verdict is a momentous victory for the rule of law, which will help preserve the sanctity of international arbitration as an alternative form of dispute resolution.
"I would like to thank Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his continued support and unwavering trust in our ongoing effort to uphold Malaysia's position," she said.
She too expressed her gratitude to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Sabah State Government, Attorney-General Chambers and the Malaysian Embassy in France for their tireless efforts in defending Malaysia's interests.
Azalina said Malaysia has consistently maintained that the arbitration proceedings were illegitimate and that the award lacked legal basis.
"The French Supreme Court's decision now further undermines the legitimacy of the award," she said.
She added that the Malaysian government remains committed to resolving the Sulu issue and ensuring that Malaysia's sovereignty and territorial integrity are protected.