Gagasan Rakyat Women’s wing condemns ‘provocative’ Sabah claim by Filipino senator

KOTA KINABALU (March 28): Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Women’s wing has strongly condemned a statement by Filipino senator Robin Padilla calling for the revival of claims over Sabah.

Its chief, Datuk Redonah Bahanda, described the remark as irresponsible and provocative, saying it reflects a failure to understand historical realities, international law and Malaysia’s long-recognised sovereignty over Sabah.

“Sabah is a sovereign territory within Malaysia, established under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). This position is further strengthened by the will of the people of Sabah, who lawfully and democratically chose to be part of the Federation of Malaysia,” she said.

Redonah stressed that any attempt to dispute Sabah’s status is irrelevant, baseless and must be firmly rejected.

She noted that Sabah’s position as part of Malaysia has long received international recognition and should not be arbitrarily questioned.

“Efforts to revive outdated claims, including proposals for negotiations over territory or natural resources, are nothing more than shallow rhetoric driven by narrow political interests,” she said.

Redonah also raised concern that the statement surfaced amid ongoing global energy market uncertainties, questioning whether there could be hidden motives to exploit Sabah’s natural resources, including oil and gas.

“Such actions are not only unethical but also constitute a direct challenge to national sovereignty,” she said.

She reiterated that the Gagasan Rakyat Women’s wing firmly rejects any form of claim over Sabah, whether through political or diplomatic pressure.

Redonah also expressed full confidence in the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor in defending Sabah’s rights and sovereignty from external threats.

“We stand firmly with both the State and Federal Governments to ensure that Sabah’s sovereignty continues to be safeguarded without compromise,” she said.

She further called on Malaysians, particularly Sabahans, to remain united and resolute in rejecting any external attempts to challenge the state’s sovereignty.

“Sabah is not to be disputed. Sabah belongs to Malaysia,” she said.

claim on Sabah Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Redonah Bahanda Robin Padilla Sabah sovereignty