Ambalat Scandal Explained: Statement that govt has handed over Ambalat block in Sulawesi Sea

Assaffal Alian, a representative in the Sabah State Assembly, has recently captured widespread attention due to his controversial statements that have gone viral. The internet has become the medium through which the general populace seeks insights into his remarks. Sarkari Result This article aims to provide our readers with comprehensive information about him, as well as shed light on other recent viral news items that have piqued online interest. For a deeper understanding, continue reading the following sections.

Ambalat Scandal Explained

Assaffal Alian, holding the position of a state assemblyman representing Sabah, made assertions that have raised eyebrows. His claim that Indonesia had been granted control over the Ambalat block in the Sulawesi Sea by the federal government is now in the spotlight. His statement, uttered during a session of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly last week, has been criticized by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin. Mohamad deemed Assaffal’s statement reckless and a potential threat to the nation’s sovereignty. It’s important to note that both Malaysia and Indonesia had already established an agreement regarding sea boundaries between them, making the subject matter a recurrent point of discussion. Notably, the Sulawesi Sea Agreement, signed by both nations, pertains solely to the territorial sea. In a press conference held today, it was clarified that this agreement does not encompass the Ambalat region and does not extend beyond the 200-nautical-mile limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone.

Earlier, Assaffal had proclaimed on behalf of the Sabah government that Indonesia had gained control over the Ambalat boundary during a session of the Sabah State Legislative Assembly on August 10. Reports indicate that he criticized the decision made by the state government, alleging poor judgement which resulted in losses for Sabah. Furthermore, Mohamad pointed out that the Sabah administration was actively engaged in discussions concerning the country’s maritime borders, particularly during the visit of Indonesian President Joko Widodo in June. He further added that the Sabah administration was well-informed about the Sulawesi Sea Treaty jointly formulated and ratified by Indonesia and Malaysia.

I urge everyone to avoid making misleading or defamatory remarks and to steer clear from unnecessary details that may cause public unrest. Assaffal, representing Tungku, must address his erroneous statement. “There haven’t been any discussions concerning the Ambalat border,” he clarified. He emphasized that decisions should align with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), ensuring utmost prudence in decisions about national borders. Being a part of Sabah’s Parliament, I am deeply concerned by Assaffal’s statement. It is crucial to verify facts before public declarations.