Sabah Claim Not Resolved

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31753, 9 August 1968, Page 16

Sabah Claim Not Resolved

(N. Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) DJAKARTA, August 7. Fundamental problems between Malaysia and the Philippines appeared unresolved today, despite statements by both sides that they had agreed to a cooling-off period on their dispute over Manila’s claim to the MalaysianBorneo State of Sabah.

The Malaysian DeputyPrime Minister (Tun Abdul Razak) and the Philippine For eign Secretary (Mr Narcisco Ramos) met alone yesterday during a conference on eco-

nomic co-operation between member States of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (A.S.E.A.N.). They later issued statements which caused some confusion among diplomatic observers. Tun Razak said: “As the two countries are desirous of continuing friendly relations ... we agreed there should be a cooling off period after which we should discuss ways and means of reconciliation.” He did not mention any talks on Sabah. Mr Ramos said in his statement that he talked with Tun Razak on the Sabah issue, and that the Malaysian leader “refused to agree to any talks on the modes of settlement” of the dispute, which the Philippines wants to take to the World Court Mr Ramos said he was “personally amendable to a cool-ing-off period but that talks on the modes of settlement should be held.”

Diplomatic observers noted that the two sides were agreed on a “cooling-off period," though the status of the agreement was not entirely clear since Mr Ramos had only stated his personal acceptance of it.

They said there was apparent disagreement, however, on what should happen when the period, of unspecified duration, was over.