Kota kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stated that the Sabah claim is frequently utilized as a political polemic by certain factions in the Philippines, especially during election periods. Hajiji emphasized that Sabah's status as part of the Malaysian Federation is definitive and has been acknowledged by the United Nations (UN), leaving no room for further debate.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hajiji remarked, "Over there, these issues tend to surface close to their senate elections. But the people of Sabah have long decided to be part of Malaysia. This is not up for debate." He reiterated, "We are a sovereign state within Malaysia, recognised by the UN. So what else can they say?" He made these remarks to reporters after attending the state-level Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at the Sabah International Convention Centre.

Hajiji further noted that any attempt to revive such claims would only sow confusion and potentially harm the bilateral relations between Malaysia and the Philippines. He called on all parties to respect Malaysia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to avoid exploiting the issue for political advantage.

The remarks followed recent media reports that highlighted Philippine senator Robin Padilla's call for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to reactivate the country's claim over Sabah, citing the potential oil and gas resources available in the state.