Malaysia is set to continue pursuing legal action over Pedra Branca, which was awarded to Singapore back in 2008.
The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded by saying that we will “robustly defend our sovereignty over Pedra Branca”.
Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said in a statement on Thursday (13 October) that his Cabinet had received certain recommendations from a special task force, according to The Star.
Among the recommendations was for the Malaysian government to proceed with legal action over Pedra Branca, the Middle Rocks and South Ledge, at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
The Malaysian task force also suggested the government take “appropriate action” to protect Malaysia’s sovereignty.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ response
In response to media queries, the MFA Spokesperson said:
“Singapore has noted Malaysia’s press release that Malaysia intends to continue legal action in the International Court of Justice (the Court) on the issue of sovereignty over Pedra Branca. In 2008, the Court awarded sovereignty over Pedra Branca to Singapore in the Case concerning Sovereignty over Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge. After the Court’s decision, both Singapore and Malaysia publicly announced that they will accept and abide by the Court’s decision which is final.
In 2017, Malaysia instituted an application for revision and a request for interpretation of the Court’s 2008 decision, which were subsequently withdrawn by Malaysia in 2018. Under the Statute of the Court, an application for revision cannot be made after the expiry of ten years from the date of the Court’s 2008 judgment (i.e., May 2018).
Singapore is unable to comment on Malaysia’s latest intentions since no details have been shared. Singapore stands ready to robustly defend our sovereignty over Pedra Branca and will deal with whatever legal action Malaysia may pursue.”
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
14 OCTOBER 2022