Malaysia Put Up Convincing Case, Says Syed Hamid

THE HAGUE, Nov 24 - Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said today the government is satisfied that the Malaysian team had worked hard to put up a convincing case on the country's sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.

"We should congratulate the team leader, the agent, the attorney-general and other officers. We have confidence in the case presented," he told Malaysian reporters who covered the hearing before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), here.

He said however that at the end of the day, it would be the court which would make a decision.

"We understand that but in terms of presentation of the case, it was most effective and convincing," he said.

Syed Hamid said it was important for Malaysians -- from the rakyat (people), members of parliament, to the leaders -- to know that the Malaysian team was not inferior to any other team.

"Not only have they proven their dedication, they are a very good team, not only the international lawyers but also our own team. They have made an effective contribution," he said.

He said every one of the individuals in their own fields of specialisation regarded the case "as their own" and brought out an extraordinary spirit of patriotism and love for the country.

Syed Hamid made mention of Malaysia's first navy chief Tan Sri K.Thanabalasingam who "came back from retirement" to be part of the team.

He said the country should also be proud of Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Mohamad, Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin and Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail who appeared before the 16 international jurists.

Abdul Kadir, who led the Malaysian team, was the Malaysian agent in the case while Noor Farida, Malaysia's Ambassador to the Netherlands, was the co-agent. Abdul Kadir is the Ambassador-at-Large and also the Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs.

Touching on the Malaysian international legal team, he said the accomplished team had enjoyed working with the Malaysian team.

"They have got a very high opinion of us. This is something to proud of," he said.

Syed Hamid said that when the case was brought before the ICJ it was important that Malaysians gave their support, prayed for the country's victory and, most importantly, "appreciate that these are our people ... and even our international legal team has worked and presented the case well."

He said that it was not easy to defend the country's sovereignty and international integrity.

"However, I feel that if we have the working spirit and dedication and work as a team, the outcome will be that which we have seen in this case," he said - Bernama

Malaysia Bentang Kes Berkesan Dan Menyakinkan, Kata Syed Hamid

THE HAGUE, 24 Nov - Menteri Luar Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar berkata kerajaan berpuas hati dengan usaha keras yang dilakukan oleh pasukan Malaysia dalam membentangkan kes yang menyakinkan mengenai hak kedaulatan Pulau Batu Puteh, Terumbu Karang Tengah (Middle Rocks) dan Terumbu Karang Selatan (South Ledge).

"Kita mengucapkan tahniah kepada ketua pasukan, ejen, Peguam Negara dan pegawai-pegawai lain," katanya kepada wartawan Malaysia yang membuat liputan kes tersebut di Mahkamah Keadilan Antarabangsa (ICJ) di sini.

Bagaimanapun, Syed Hamid berkata ICJ akan membuat keputusan muktamad.

Katanya adalah penting bagi semua rakyat Malaysia untuk mengetahui bahawa pasukan Malaysia di ICJ bukan bertaraf lebih rendah berbanding mana-mana pasukan lain.

"Bukan sahaja mereka berdedikasi dan bagus termasuk peguam antarabangsa tetapi juga pasukan kita sama handal. Masing-masing telah menyumbangkan secara berkesan," katanya.

Beliau menyebut bekas Panglima Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM) pertama negara Laksamana Muda (B) K. Thanabalasingam turut menjadi sebahagian daripada anggota pasukan Malaysia di ICJ.

Katanya negara harus bangga dengan Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Mohamad, Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin dan Peguam Negara Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail yang berdepan dengan 16 juri antarabangsa di ICJ.

Abdul Kadir yang mengetuai pasukan Malaysia bertindak sebagai ejen Malaysia dalam kes itu sementara Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin, Duta Malaysia ke Belanda, adalah ejen bersama.

Abdul Kadir ialah Duta Tugas-tugas Khas yang juga Penasihat Hal Ehwal Luar kepada Perdana Menteri.

Mengenai pasukan pegawai perundangan antarabangsa Malaysia, Syed Hamid berkata pasukan itu mempunyai pandangan tinggi terhadap barisan Malaysia - Bernama