Recently, another chaos regarding the country's property possession has been brought to Filipino's attention. With China on the front load, can Philippines administer another claim regarding Sabah?
How did it start? Through the articles i have read, i learned that Sabah was given to the Sultan of Sulu by the Sultan of Brunei as a prize for helping him from his enemies. It was leased from then on. However, Malaysia is claiming that money is not for rental but as a payment for buying Sabah (For transcript: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Borneo_dispute).
It would be a shoot for the moon for the Sultanate of Sulu to get the legal ownership of Sabah in a peaceful way without a help from the government. Usually, allegations/distress between countries are being settled in an International Court through United Nations (Like China-Philippines maritime territorial dispute which is currently brought up to an international arbitration tribunal in UN). We all know that Malaysia and Philippines are both members of the United Nations. Sultanate of Sulu will have several challenges in getting Sabah back. First, Sultan has been abolished in our constitution. Philippines does not legally recognize the system. Sultanate system is only protected and preserved for cultural heritage and education whatfor. Having said that, who would file a claim in the International Court of Justice? Since Sultan is not legally recognize internationally, they can not file a claim on their own. Second, in 1963 election, people of Sabah voted to be part of Malaysia. Changes won't be easy to instil on Sabahans mind.
I guess this calls for war. Are we prepared enough?
In the event that Sabah would be part of the Philippines, it sure would contribute to the country's levitating economy. It has been broadcasted how rich Sabah is with oil and gas. It is also boasting a pristine culture and heritage that would be great for tourism.
Wherever this chaos may lead us, I hope that lives will be protected and peace will remain.
***for editing -raa116
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