KUALA LUMPUR: The government will not hesitate to take legal action based on the country's existing criminal laws against any parties including Malaysians who give any form of support to or collaborate with the Sulu claimants, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The prime minister said the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) had started investigations against the Sulu claimants, the arbitrator and other related parties under Section 124K of the Penal Code for the offence of sabotage.

"The Malaysian government will also continue to oppose any form of financing by third party litigation funders who support the abuse of the process initiated by those making the claims," he said.

He told the Dewan Rakyat this today when giving an explanation on the claims made against Malaysia by eight Philippine nationals claiming to be descendants of the Sulu Sultan.

The prime minister said all awards issued by arbitrator Dr Gonzalo Stampa had breached international public policy because they were against the principle of diplomatic immunity, jurisdictional immunity and sovereignty.

"The June 6, 2023 decision is final and binding. The Court of Appeal in Paris has also decided that parties making the claims pay proceedings cost of EUR100,000 to the Malaysian government.

"The government will continue with all efforts in defending the country's sovereign rights in relation to this issue in all related jurisdictions including in the Netherlands, France, Luxembourg and any jurisdiction where the final award might be proposed to be recognised and enforced," he said.

The prime minister said the government was also waiting for another important decision by the Appeals Court in the Netherlands, expected to be made on June 27 this year, in relation to the group's claims for recognition and enforcement of the final award in the Netherlands.

Anwar stressed that although the June 6, 2023 ruling favoured Malaysia, the government had received information that the group would continue with its tactic of seeking enforcement of the final award in other countries.

"This action amounts to an abuse and breach of the court and arbitration mechanism and process which are recognised at the international level," he added.

At the session, several Members of Parliament including Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut), Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (Warisan-Semporna) and Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) stood up to express their appreciation to the government for its efforts in defending Malaysia's rights and sovereignty.

-- BERNAMA