Batu Puteh Island (Pedra Branca): lessons on sovereignty of a country

Mohamad Suhaimy, Khairul Azman and Jaes, Lutfan and Kamri, Khairol Anuar and Nordin, Shahrul Anuar (2020) Batu Puteh Island (Pedra Branca): lessons on sovereignty of a country. In: Ketahanan Nasional - Perspektif Malaysia - Thailand. Penerbit UTHM, pp. 103-112. ISBN 978-967-2389-98-9

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Abstract

This paper deliberates on the issues of Batu Puteh Island (Pedra Branca) in relation to the sovereignty of a country and its implications in the future. Trailing of a territory will challenge the sovereignty of a country and is an affront to them. Sovereignty is a representation of power to countries worldwide. The corresponding letter by the Acting Secretary of Johor dated 21st September 1953 stated that Johor does not claim ownership of Pedra Branca. The letter was seen by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as a sign that Johor had handed over its sovereignty on Batu Puteh Island over to the British. Therefore, the court concluded that the letter clearly indicates that since 1953, Johor has declared that it no longer had sovereignty over Pedra Branca. Various questions arise regarding the letter. Where is the sovereign and authority of the Sultan of Johor who reigned over Johor and its territories? Can an Acting Secretary of State rightfully involve on matters of land, territorial and sovereignty of the state? Or, should it be definite by the Sultan as head of a state? These are some of the questions that are yet to be answered and records are vital. It will determine the future and direct a right direction of a country regarding its sovereignty. Learn from history, learn from the administrative weaknesses and individual mistakes, and remember that history repeats itself in the future. Mistakes cost a country and the people an island which was originally theirs for centuries. Of absent mindedness led them in losing the island’s sovereignty to other country. Everyone knows that the island belongs to Johor with all related documents are complete and history has proven it. Hence, it is important to be careful when making any decisions or be sorry for life.

Item Type:	Book Section
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Batu Puteh Island; Pedra Branca; sovereignty; lessons; Johor government.
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GC Oceanography > GC150 - 182 Physical oceanography
Depositing User:	Mr. Abdul Rahim Mat Radzuan
Date Deposited:	25 Oct 2021 10:03
Last Modified:	25 Oct 2021 10:03
URI:	http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/id/eprint/822

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