THE SULU CASE IS A THORN IN MALAYSIA’S SOVEREIGNTY AND NATIONAL SECURITY
In February 2022, eight individuals who claimed to be the descendants of the defunct Sultan of Sulu, Sultan Jamalul Kiram II, received an purported final award worth $14.92 billion in an arbitration proceeding against the Government of Malaysia. The said award was delivered by the Spanish arbitrator, Dr. Gonzalo Stampa.
Malaysia is currently pursuing its legal battle against the Sulu claimants across Europe to ensure that the purported Final Award, constituting 16% of the country’s annual budget, is overturned.
In June 2023, Malaysia successfully secured two landmark victories in the Paris and the Hague Courts of Appeal.
In November 2023, the Paris Courts oversaw the withdrawal of the measures registered by the Claimants on the diplomatic buildings owned by Malaysia in France. The Paris enforcement judge quashed its prior ex parte order that authorised a statutory mortgage to be registered on these diplomatic buildings. The judge also recorded the Claimants’ withdrawal from the proceedings they had initiated to seize these diplomatic buildings.
On 22 December 2023, the Spanish Criminal Court found Dr. Stampa guilty of contempt of court. The Criminal Court has sentenced Dr. Stampa to six months in prison and a year ban from professional practice as an arbitrator.
With these consecutive victories, Malaysia is advancing steadily towards the complete annulment of the purported Final Award in France.
Learn More Here: https://www.malaysia-sulucase.gov.my/
The e-book of Malaysia Sulu Case is accessible at https://assets-global.website-files.com/643fb88479ebe1590da89013/65cbad21360111cd7bc704bd_Final%20eBook.pdf