KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — Malaysia continues to assert its sovereignty and protect its national interests by appearing before the French Court of Cassation, France’s highest court, yesterday in its legal battle against purported heirs of the long-defunct Sulu sultanate.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who attended the proceedings, said the Court of Cassation reviewed the challenge filed by the Sulu group against the Paris Court of Appeal’s decision from June 6, 2023.
Last year, the Paris Court of Appeal refused to recognise a partial award issued by Gonzalo Stampa, ruling he had wrongly upheld his jurisdiction.
“Malaysia demonstrated and fortified the soundness of its June 6, 2023, victory,” said Azalina in a statement issued in France.
Present at the court were Malaysia’s Ambassador to France Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, Legal Affairs Division deputy director-general (policy and development) Punitha Silivarajoo, and senior officials from the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Foreign Ministry.
Malaysia has successfully protected its interests on the global stage, with its most recent victory on September 6. The Dutch Supreme Court dismissed claimants’ final appeal, delivering a final and binding decision that has resolved the Sulu fraud case in the Netherlands.
“Based on statements presented by both parties and the statement representing the French government, I hope the outcome of the appeal, which is expected soon, will be in favour of Malaysia, God willing,” said Azalina in a post on X.
Azalina in her statement said Malaysia will continue to fight the battle against the Sulu fraud in other jurisdictions involved, including in Spain and Luxembourg.
“The government of Malaysia will continue to ensure the sovereignty, security and interests of Malaysia are protected at all times,” she said.
— Bernama
