SHAH ALAM – The United Tausug Citizens’ (UTC) demand for a staggering US$15 billion (RM70.2 billion) against Sabah requires Malaysia’s immediate attention, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
She emphasised the urgency of the matter, noting that the mentioned amount accounts for 16% of the national budget.
“Malaysia recently faced a baseless claim from the United Tausug Citizens, who demanded US$15 billion and recognition of Sabah.
“Such demands threaten the integrity of sovereign states and the principles of justice. The UTC’s threat to sue Malaysia in the US is alarming.
“We must address these spurious claims that risk 16% of our national budget and exploit arbitration for profit, akin to extortion schemes,” she said on social media platform X.
Her post on X was about the 2024 Commonwealth Law Ministers Meeting in Paris, France, where she discussed the previous Sulu case and the risks of third-party litigation funding (TPLF) to state sovereignty.
She said TPLF often prioritises profit over justice, challenging the core purpose of the legal system.
“The Sulu case, fueled by litigation funder Therium, raises concerns about the next target of these ‘vulture’ funders. It’s a stark reminder of the need for integrity in our justice system,” she said.
“The secretive nature of TPLF in sham arbitrations necessitates global regulatory oversight and ethical standards to prevent abuse and exploitation,” she said.
“Calls for transparency in TPLF are growing. Congressional efforts and EU Parliament proposals aim to regulate this industry and mitigate national security risks.
“Litigation funding must be transparent and regulated to prevent abuse. Malaysia advocates for ongoing dialogue to regulate this industry effectively.”
UTC, a self-styled group, had recently asked the Malaysian government for an immediate payment in “cession money” and recognition of UTC as a sovereign and independent “state kingdom”.
The group, which claims to be the rightful custodians of the Sulu sultanate territory, also threatened to commence legal action against Malaysia in the United States, said Azalina.
In response to the claim, Azalina stressed that the Sulu sultanate has been defunct for several decades and is not recognised by any sovereign state or international organisation, adding that Malaysia has never recognised the legitimacy of claims over the sovereignty, territory, and natural resources of Sabah.
Malaysia has never recognised the legitimacy of claims over the sovereignty, territory, and natural resources of Sabah, Azalina said in a previous statement. – March 12, 2024