KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has deferred further comments on the self-proclaimed Sulu heirs asserting a claim against the Malaysian government, leaving the matter to responsible parties.

"Someone else will answer that issue," he told reporters after launching D'Anjung Selera Madani Jalan Jujur in Bandar Tun Razak here today.

Present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Kamarulzaman Mat Salleh and Bandar Tun Razak member of parliament Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Legal and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said had on June 2 said Anwar and the cabinet had given the directive to fight the Sulu heirs for their unreasonable claims against Malaysia.

She also did not dismiss the possibility that the heirs to the defunct Sulu Sultanate were being "influenced by certain Western groups" in pressuring the Malaysian government with their exorbitant demands.

Azalina did not explain her theory but stated that the claimants' demand for US$16 billion was ridiculous. 

She revealed that Attorney-General (A-G) Tan Sri Idrus Harun recently received a disrespectful letter from the lawyers representing the Sulu heirs.

The letter, she said, not only claimed rights over Sabah but also demanded compensation from Malaysia.

The initial claim amounting to US$14.92 billion has now increased to US$16 billion due to alleged interest, she added.

Azalina said the A-G responded to the letter and emphasised that Malaysia's status as a sovereign and independent country should not be underestimated.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/06/916220/pm-defers-comment-sulu-heirs-claims