Malaysia summons Philippine envoy over claim on Sabah

Wisma Putra called in a Philippine envoy today over a statement on a Sabah territorial claim made by a Philippine presidential candidate. Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement today that it had called in the Philippine Embassy's Charge d'Affaires, Maria Antonina M. Mendoza-Oblena, over the statement made by vice-president Jejomar Binay, who is running for the country's top post. Binay had reportedly vowed to pursue a territorial claim over Sabah if elected president in the elections scheduled for May 9. Wisma Putra said, "The government of Malaysia wishes to reiterate its position that Malaysia does not recognise and will not entertain any claims by any party on Sabah." The ministry said Sabah has been recognised by the United Nations and the international community as part of Malaysia since the formation of the federation on September 16, 1963. – Bernama, March 1, 2016.]]>