Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor described the 13th Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation Meeting held in Jakarta on Tuesday as very positive and beneficial for Sabah.
He said the Sabah Government's position was conveyed during the meeting and related matters are now being refined.
Advertisement "We have already stated the State Government's position, and the discussions and meeting were very positive.
"Matters related to it are currently being refined, and this is very good for Sabah.
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The Chief Minister was asked whether any specific issues concerning Sabah were raised during the consultation.
Advertisement To a question, Hajiji said the Ambalat issue was not discussed specifically during the meeting, as it falls under international law.
"As for the Ambalat issue, that will be deliberated based on international legal frameworks.
Advertisement "So, nothing has been decided yet. Don't turn this into a political issue," he stressed.
Ambalat is a sea block in the Celebes Sea, located off Sabah's east coast and is the subject of a territorial dispute between Malaysia and Indonesia.
It's geographically situated on the border between the two nations and is believed rich in oil and natural gas reserves.
On Tuesday, Hajiji joined Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the bilateral consultation held at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.
They were welcomed by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was also present.
Hajiji was accompanied by a high-level Sabah delegation comprising State Secretary Datuk Seri Sr Safar Untong, State Attorney-General Datuk Brenndon Keith Soh, Internal Affairs and Research Secretary Datuk Awang Shaminan Ag Sahari and Lands and Surveys Department Director Datuk Bernard Liew.
Hajiji and his delegation arrived in Jakarta the day before and attended a pre-council meeting chaired by the Prime Minister as preparation for the bilateral consultation.
The Malaysia-Indonesia Annual Consultation serves as an important platform to strengthen diplomatic relations, economic cooperation and development collaboration between the two close neighbours.