Kota kinabalu: The recent decision by the Paris Court of Appeal to completely annul the 'Final Award' to the self-proclaimed heirs of the Sulu Sultanate is a significant triumph in upholding Malaysia's sovereignty and the safeguarding of the nation's strategic assets, the Sabah State Assembly was told today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sook Assemblyman Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup emphasized that this success is a testament to the close cooperation between the state government and the federal government, as well as the dedication and expertise of the country's legal team in protecting the state's interests on the global stage. He highlighted Malaysia's achievement on the international level with the court's decision to nullify the award related to the Sulu Sultanate's claim against Sabah.

Arthur stated that this decision not only upholds Malaysia's legal sovereignty but also protects the country's economic interests and strategic assets, particularly in Sabah. He attributed this success to the concerted efforts and collaboration among the state and federal governments and the legal team, who have acted firmly and consistently on the international stage.

On December 9, the Paris Court of Appeal ruled that Gonzalo Stampa, the arbitrator who issued the Final Award involving USD14.9 billion in the Malaysian-Sulu case, lacked jurisdiction. The court further established that no valid arbitration agreement bound Malaysia to the proceedings.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said hailed the victory as a triumph for the dignity, sovereignty, and rights of all Malaysians, especially the people of Sabah. She described the ruling as a significant achievement for the entire nation.

The Sulu Special Secretariat War Room, representing the Malaysian Government, confirmed the Paris Court of Appeal's decision on December 9, noting that the official judgment was received early the following morning.