AG clarifies Batu Puteh application

Malaysia’s Attorney-General’s Chambers (AG Chambers) has issued a statement clarifying their application on the Batu Puteh case.

The AG Chambers stated that the said application was made to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on June 30, 2017.

The Attorney General of Malaysia, Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali, in a statement noted that “Malaysia considers it necessary to request for an interpretation of the 2008 judgement from the ICJ”.

In the application, the AG Chambers want the ICJ to determine - and subsequently declare, if found to be true - two things.

First, whether Malaysia has sovereignty over the waters surrounding Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh. And second, whether Malaysia has sovereignty over South Ledge.

READ: Malaysia files application for revision of ICJ's Pulau Batu Puteh decision

READ: Pulau Batu Puteh: Malaysia awaits response from Singapore - AG

On the issue of South Ledge, the AG Chambers made the argument that it is located in the territorial waters of Malaysia, and therefore should consequently mean “the sovereignty of South Ledge belongs to Malaysia”.

On the issue of the territorial waters surrounding Batu Puteh, the AG Chambers say the need to seek clarification “would serve as a basis for the maintenance of orderly and peaceful relations between Malaysia & Singapore in managing their (respective) maritime zones”.

In 2008, the ICJ passed a judgement that outlines the sovereignty over the areas of Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.

Following the judgement, the two countries in question, established the 'Malaysia-Singapore Joint Technical Committee' (MSJTC) on the Implementation of the ICJ 2008 Judgement.