Malaysia reminds S'pore to cease claim over economic zone

The Jakarta Post   |  Mon, 08/18/2008 7:27 PM  |  World

Malaysia has reminded Singapore to cease its provocative claim for an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the waters of the Batu Puteh outcrop awarded to the republic by the International Court
of Justice (ICJ) in May.

A strong verbal objection was registered with the Singapore foreign minister during the 41st Asean Ministerial Meeting in Singapore and a written objection was sent on Aug 1, said Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato' Seri Utama Dr Rais Yatim, as quoted by Bernama news agency.

"The written objection pointed out to the Singapore foreign minister that the republic's move went contrary to the Asean spirit and rule of law," he said, replying to a query from law maker Datuk Baharum Mohamad.

Rais said Singapore had acted unilaterally in the matter which, he added, was regrettable.

"In any situation, Singapore's claim for up to 12 nautical milesof regional waters as well as an EEZ for Batu Puteh was unreasonable and went contrary to international law," he said.

On May 23, the ICJ awarded Batu Puteh to Singapore and another outcrop, Middle Rocks, to Malaysia and ruled that a third, South Ledge, belonged to the country in whose territory it was located.

At a news conference later, Dr Rais said the Cabinet decided last week to exercise Malaysia's sovereignty over Middle Rocks and South Ledge, meaning the "Jalur Gemilang" Malaysian flag would be flown on the two outcrops.

"Furthermore, the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Technical Committee would continue with its work," he said.

He said the committee would carry out mapping and hydrographic survey, and determine common territorial waters to facilitate shipping routes, among other things. (***)

Copyright © 2008 The Jakarta Post - PT Bina Media Tenggara. All Rights Reserved.