KOTA KINABALU: A special motion for Sabah to permanently reject any claims on the state by the Philippines or the defunct Sulu sultanate has been submitted for discussion at the legislative assembly meeting from March 16 to 24.

       In submitting the motion, Kadamaian assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick said he was also seeking a resolution by the assembly not to make any payments for claims or arbitration made previously.

       “The decision must be made by the (assembly) to defend Sabah. This is (a major) issue to the people of Sabah and needs to be discussed, debated and finalised in the Assembly," he said.

       "Then it can permanently eliminate any questions related to... claims that have confused the people of Sabah all this while," added Benedick, who is the Upko vice-president.

       He said the recent Paris Arbitration Court's decision to make the Malaysian government pay RM62bil to the supposed heirs of the Sulu sultanate had shocked Sabahans.

       He also submitted a second motion to discuss and decide on the controversial Nature Conservation Agreement (NCA) carbon credit trading deal as a measure to protect native and state interests.