CM: No Merit in Reviving Manila’s Claim on Sabah

28 Mac 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has dismissed a call by a Philippine senator to revive Manila’s claim over Sabah, stating that such a move lacks merit.

“Sabah is a sovereign state within the Federation of Malaysia and its status should not be questioned. There is no need to raise this issue or to exploit the current energy situation to revive outdated claims,” he said.

He was speaking at the state-level Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Saturday.

An estimated 20,000 people attended the event, which was graced by the Head of State Tun Musa Aman and his wife, Toh Puan Faridah Tussin, alongside the Chief Minister and his wife, Datin Seri Panglima Datuk Juliah Salag.

Earlier, Hajiji and Juliah, accompanied by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Arifin Arif, who chaired the organising committee, presented duit raya to those in need before mingling with members of the public.

“Our hope is for everyone to live in harmony so that we may continue celebrating all festive occasions in peace,” he said.

During the main event, guests were treated to a variety of performances, including one by Malaysian singer Marsha Milan Londoh.