KOTA KINABALU – The Spanish Constitutional Court’s decision to reject the appeal filed by the self-proclaimed ‘heirs’ of the defunct Sulu sultanate over the annulment of the appointment of the dispute arbitrator proves that the claim against Sabah is unfounded, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said the court’s decision was welcomed by the Sabah Government and the people of the state, who since 1963, had a clear stand to form and be part of Malaysia.

“We are happy (with the court’s decision)… this shows that the claim is completely baseless, and of course, this pleases the people of Sabah and the government.

“We leave it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the minister responsible to resolve this issue,” he told reporters after handing over four-wheel drive vehicles to the 21 area offices of the Community Leaders Unit at Menara Kinabalu here today.

Yesterday, the media reported that the Spanish Constitutional Court upheld the annulment of Dr Gonzalo Stampa’s appointment as arbitrator in the Sulu dispute. – Bernama / graphic TMR