Malaysia vs. Sultan Heirs: Billion-dollar Land Dispute

The legal battle between Malaysia and the heirs of the last Sultan of Sulu over a colonial-era land lease continues, with Malaysia's law minister dismissing the heirs' claims. After a French court opposed enforcing a $14.9 billion arbitration award, the heirs still assert rights over parts of Borneo.

Malaysia's law minister has challenged heirs of a former sultan following their failed legal attempt to claim nearly $15 billion from the Malaysian government over a land dispute. The contention revolves around a colonial-era lease agreement that was contested earlier this month in France's top civil court.

The heirs achieved a $14.9 billion award in 2022 through a French arbitration court; however, a Paris court later supported Malaysia's opposition to this. Despite the court ruling, the heirs' lawyer, Paul Cohen, stated that their claim to the disputed territory remains valid, suggesting they might lease the land to countries like the Philippines.

Law Minister Azalina Othman Said labeled Cohen's assertions as unfounded, affirming that any lease attempts would attract legal repercussions. The heirs' claims trace back to an 1878 agreement with European settlers, maintained by Malaysia post-independence. Payments, which ceased in 2013, were a contentious issue following a violent land reclamation attempt.

(With inputs from agencies.)