BRUNEI DROPS TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER LIMBANG

From Hafizah Kamaruddin

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, March 16 (Bernama) -- Brunei has officially dropped its
long-standing territorial claim over Limbang, a northern division in East
Malaysia Sarawak-state, marking a new era in the bilateral relations between
both countries, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

The prime minister said the matter was part of the historic Letters of
Exchange (LoE) inked between him and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, which
formalised the solution to the long-standing Malaysia-Brunei boundary issues, at
the Istana Nurul Iman here Monday.

"It has been stated in the LoE that Brunei has dropped the issue and this
means that Limbang is part of Malaysia," he told a news conference with
Malaysian journalists before heading home at the end of his two-day visit to the
sultanate.

Limbang, located on the banks of Sungai Limbang between the two halves of
Brunei and covers an area of 3,978 sq km with population of more than 40,000,
was annexed by James Brooke, the first Rajah of Sarawak, in 1890 to become the
fifth division of Sarawak.

Abdullah, in thanking the Sultan of Brunei and his government for the
positive action in making the solution a reality, said that border issues would
now cease to haunt the relations between both countries.

"With the issue solved, Brunei and Malaysia can now enter a new era of
bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields and there is no more
unhappiness over the issue," he said.

A joint statement issued by both leaders stated that among the key points
in the LoE was the modalities for the final demarcation of land boundaries
between Brunei and Malaysia.

It also stated that the demarcation would be resolved on the basis of five
existing historical agreements between the Brunei government and Sarawak
government, and as appropriate, the watershed principle.

"Hereafter, all issues pertaining to land boundaries of the two states shall
be accordingly resolved," it said.

The statement said among the key elements in the LoE was the "unsuspendable
rights of maritime access" for Malaysian nationals and residents across
Brunei's maritime zones en route to and from their destinations in Sarawak,
provided Brunei's laws and regulations were observed.

"The solution of the maritime delimitation issue ensures certainty with
regard to the delimitation of the territorial seas, the continental shelf and
the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of both countries.

"The two countries would be able to enforce their rules and regulations and
embark on new developments in their respective maritime zones," it said.

The two-page statement also stated that the LoE, which marked a historic and
momentous occasion for Brunei and Malaysia, reflected the two countries'
ability to reach a comprehensive, fair and equitable package solution in the
larger interest of both countries.

It also said that both leaders believed that the signing of the letters
would pave the way for the development of strategic partnership and closer
collaboration in all fields, especially trade and investment.

Other areas are in energy and hydrocarbon resources, tourism, education,
agriculture, infrastructure, banking, halal industry and people-to-people
contacts with special focus on the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, it
said.

Both leaders believed that "the brotherly relations between Brunei and
Malaysia will contribute to the promotion of peace and prosperity in the
region," the statement said.

They also instructed officials and representatives to follow up and monitor
the full implementation of provisions in the letters, which marked the
successful conclusion of negotiations, with historical, legal and other relevant
criteria acceptable to both sides.

Abdullah, accompanied by wife Jeanne Abdullah, earlier led the
Malaysian delegation, which included Foreign Minister Rais Yatim and
Education Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussien, to the historic occasion
at the Istana Nurul Iman.

They were welcomed by the Sultan of Brunei and his consorts Raja Isteri
Pengiran Anak Saleha and Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar.

Present was the Crown Prince of Brunei, Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah.

Abdullah then held a four-eye meeting with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah before
both of them adjourned to the signing ceremony which took place at the Cabinet
Room.

It was witnessed by delegations from both countries including Brunei's
Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Second Foreign
Affairs and Trade Minister Pehin Lim Jock Seng.

Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud and Sabah Chief Minister
Musa Aman were also present at the signing ceremony.

Abdullah later left for home from the Brunei International Airport.

-- BERNAMA