Kuala lumpur: The Federal government continues to work closely with the Sabah state government in negotiations and discussions aimed at resolving the maritime boundary issue between Malaysia and Indonesia. Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin stated that Sabah government representatives are actively participating in meetings and technical negotiations concerning the maritime boundary between the two countries.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Mohamad Alamin emphasized the importance of considering Sabah's views and positions in these discussions to ensure that Malaysia's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and national interests are maintained. He made these remarks during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat in response to an inquiry from Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) regarding the involvement of the Sabah government in discussions about Blocks ND6 and ND7, which have previously been a point of contention with Indonesia.

Mohamad further mentioned that the government is conducting thorough and comprehensive assessments of any proposed solutions, including potential economic cooperation, to ensure outcomes that benefit both parties. When questioned about the possibility of assigning more significant names to Blocks ND6 and ND7, he noted that the matter had not been discussed and that the government would continue using the current terms.

Earlier, the Foreign Ministry confirmed that Malaysia refers to the maritime area covering Blocks ND6 and ND7, located within Peta Baru Malaysia 1979, as the Sulawesi Sea, rather than 'Ambalat,' as it is referred to by Indonesia.