The New Straits Times
Malaysia will not refer the dispute with Indonesia over Ambalat to the International Court of Justice in the Hague, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.
“I am positive that the matter can be resolved amicably. We don’t have to take it to the ICJ,” he said after the launch of a book entitled: “Najib, Malaysia’s sixth prime minister” by Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the Defence Ministry.
Zahid said his ministry had sent a delegation, headed by the armed forces chief, to Indonesia yesterday to discuss the matter.
“A delegation from Indonesia which arrived yesterday (Monday) did not meet me. The outcome of the meeting in Indonesia yesterday (Tuesday) will be made by the Indonesians today.”
Zahid said he would propose that Malaysian and Indonesian navy vessels stay out of the disputed Ambalat waters until the issue had been resolved by both countries.
The sovereignty dispute over the Ambalat stretch of water of the coast of eastern Kalimantan began with the publication of a map by Malaysia in 1979 showing that the area within its territorial waters and continental shelf.
Indonesia had previously laid claim to Sipadan and the Ligitan islands in Sabah. The matter was referred to the ICJ which awarded these islands to Malaysia in 2002.
Earlier, Zahid said he and his family would be forever grateful to Najib for giving him the numerous breaks in his political career.
“I was handpicked for the (defence ministry) job because he wanted someone who could continue on the good work done at the ministry which he (Najib) had helm for 14 years, ” he said.
Rosmah said Najib is the most patient person she has ever known.
“So, I urge all husbands to follow in his footsteps and be just as patient, ” she said.
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