Hasrat lebih 2,000 nelayan musnah

PENGERANG: Harapan lebih 2,000 nelayan di sini untuk menjejakkan kaki ke Pulau Batu Puteh, yang hanya kurang daripada 10 batu nautika dari Teluk Ramunia di sini seperti dilakukan lebih 20 tahun lalu kini hancur musnah.

Pengerusi Persatuan Nelayan Kawasan Pengerang, Abu Bakar Mohamad, berkata kebanyakan nelayan veteran yang masih turun ke laut mencari rezeki terlalu berharap dapat sekali lagi mendarat di pulau itu untuk memancing.

Katanya, harapan mereka untuk menangkap ikan di kawasan lubuk emas di Pulau Batu Puteh sudah tiada lagi dan nelayan terpaksa meneruskan kehidupan seperti biasa dengan kawalan yang mungkin lebih ketat daripada polis Singapura.

"Apa lagi yang hendak dikatakan kerana Pulau Batu Puteh kini sah dimiliki Singapura. Kami reda dengan keputusan itu dan tidak ada sebarang rancangan untuk mengadakan tunjuk perasaan," katanya ketika ditemui di sini, semalam.

Beliau berkata, sebelum keputusan itu diumumkan petang semalam, beliau sudah mengingatkan kira-kira 1,500 ahli persatuan supaya sabar dan meneruskan kehidupan seperti biasa jika Malaysia tewas mempertahankan Batu Puteh.

Nelayan, Abu Bakar Abdul Rahim, 55, berkata sebelum Pulau Batu Puteh dikawal polis Singapura, beliau dan rakan nelayan lain sering singgah di pulau itu untuk memancing terutama di kawasan yang berbatu.

Katanya, kawasan itu banyak ikan terutama bawal, jenahak, kurau dan kerapu serta ikan sagai yang hanya boleh ditemui di kawasan laut dalam yang mempunyai batu karang.

"Seingat saya, sejak 20 tahun lalu, nelayan tidak dibenarkan singgah di pulau itu kerana ia dikawal. Jika sesekali kami terlepas sempadan, polis Singapura akan meminta kami masuk semula ke perairan Malaysia," katanya.

Seorang lagi nelayan, Nor Malik Abdul Rahim, 34, berkata pada zaman bapanya menjadi nelayan, Pulau Batu Puteh menjadi tempat berteduh kepada nelayan terutama ketika ombak besar dan ribut.

Malah, beliau berkata, ketika zaman remajanya, beliau sering mengikut bapa dan abangnya ke pulau itu untuk melihat rumah api dan memancing - Berita Harian

Pengerang Fishermen Will Abide By Decision On Pulau Batu Puteh

KOTA TINGGI, May 23 - The Pengerang Fishermen's Association will abide by the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that gave Singapore sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh.

Its chairman Abu Bakar Mohamad said the fishermen would go on with their lives as usual and would respect Singapore's ownership of the island although they were rather disappointed with the decision.

The association, which was formed in 1973, has about 1,500 members.

The fishermen had been fishing near the rocky island, also known as Pedra Blanca, before the territorial dispute came to the fore 28 years ago.

Since then, the fishermen were not allowed by the Singapore authorities to fish near the island.

Abu Bakar said the fishermen were sad that they could no longer fish in the area which was teeming with fish.

Fisherman Abu Bakar Abdul Rahim, 55, said he regarded what happened as a test from God in earning a living for his family as he had to look for other fishing grounds.

In JOHOR BAHARU, private sector employee Mohd Salleh Ali, who watched the direct telecast over RTM1 said he was disappointed with the decision.

"But I'm glad that Middle Rocks still belong to Malaysia, and let the government decide on the next move over the South Ledge ownership issue," he said - Bernama

Loss a big blow for fishermen

By Satiman Jamin

KOTA TINGGI: The normally quiet fishing community in Sungai Rengit, Pengerang, 65km from here, became highly charged yesterday, as fishermen shook their heads in disbelief over the loss of Pulau Batu Puteh.

The fishing community has a direct stake in the dispute as they have been at the receiving end of enforcement by Singapore's marine police guarding the tiny island, and being told to keep clear of the waters around it.



Pengerang Fishermen Association chairman Abu Bakar Mohamad said before the dispute over the ownership of the island, fishermen were free to fish there.

"The area around the island is a gold mine, abundant with marine life, both in quality and quantity.

"Although we really hoped for Malaysia to be declared the rightful owner of the island, we are also aware of the government's stand to accept the International Court of Justice's decision," he said.

Abu Bakar said he had informed all his 1,500 members to stay calm, regardless of the outcome of the arbitration.

A fisherman, Syed Ahmad Syed Yasin, 72, who had been fishing since 1957, said he was really disappointed with the judgment.

"How can we accept that, as it was much closer to us compared with Singapore," he said, pointing out that Pulau Batu Puteh is just 7.7 nautical miles from Tanjung Penyusuh, Pengerang, compared with the 25.5 nautical miles distance from Singapore.

He said in the 1970s, there was only a lighthouse on the island, but when living quarters and a helipad were added in the 1980s, fishermen became apprehensive that Singapore would lay claim to Pulau Batu Puteh.

Azizul Zaidi, 31, was more concerned with the long-term ramifications of the decision.

As the island is less than 12 nautical miles from the peninsula, Singapore could divide the waterways halfway as theirs, he said.

"I would understand if the dispute was between Indonesia and Malaysia, because as close as Pulau Batu Puteh is from our shores compared with Singapore, at four nautical miles, Sedona in Tanjung Pinang, Indonesia is the nearest shore to the island," Azizul Zaidi said. He said fishermen would not have any rich fishing ground in the area to earn a living.

"Where are we supposed to fish then, as the area around Tanjung Pengelih had been badly affected by the reclamation carried out by Singapore a few years ago?" Azizul Zaidi asked. He said they had sought refuge from storms in the waters around Pulau Batu Puteh as it was always calm there.

"This is a real blow to us," he said - NST

Pulau Batu Puteh Issue, Malaysia Praised For Solving It Amicably

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 - Malaysia has been praised for solving the 28-year-old Pulau Batu Puteh issue peacefully and amicably through the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which today awarded sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh to Singapore and the Middle Rocks to Malaysia.

Head of the Department of Political Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Assistant Professor Dr Wahabuddin Ra'ees said the decision would help both Malaysia and Singapore to move ahead in solving other outstanding issues between them.

Despite being a country very much larger than Singapore, Malaysia had been sincere from the beginning to solve the issue peacefuly and amicably, he told Bernama in an interview here Friday.

He said that in the larger context of the Asean spirit, Malaysia had once again proved to the world that it always pursued a `very friendly and good neighbourly policy based on mutual respect towards its neighbours and other countries'.

"Eventhough Malaysia deserves a better decision given the historical and geographical facts...I think the judgement should be viewed in a positive way... for future relations...other countries should follow the example of Malaysia and Singapore in solving problems through peaceful means," he said.

University of Malaya senior lecturer, Department of International and Strategic Studies K.S.Balakrishnan said Malaysia-Singapore relations was always a "managed relations" in any situation, although there might be minor problems and differences on and off.

He said the ICJ judgement showed that in this kind of situation, international law took into consideration the adiministration aspect and not history alone in deciding the sovereignty of a disputed area or islands.

"This is like the Sipadan and Ligitan Island issue," he said in reference to the two islands where the ICJ awarded their sovereignty to Malaysia.

The president of the International Movement for a Just World (JUST), Dr Chandra Muzaffar said that it was significant that both sides had agreed even before the case came to hearing to accept whatever the outcome of the case.

"So I hope both will accept the outcome of the ICJ as they said before and with an open heart," he said.

Dr Chandra said that Pulau Batu Puteh was at the heart of the dispute.

"And if one looks at some of the argument put by the ICJ (on Batu Puteh) on strictly legal perspective...those arguments make sense.

"On many instances, we seem to have ceded our sovereign rights by not exercising our sovereignty on Pulau Batu Puteh on numerous occasions," he said.

"I hope that the Singapore government will not regard the decision on Batu Puteh as an opening for them to ride rough shot over Malaysia's sovereign rights on other bilateral issues," said the political scientist - Bernama

Malaysia Loses Pulau Batu Puteh Not Due To Weak Arguments, Says Rais

From Nor Faridah A. Rashid

THE HAGUE, May 24 - Malaysia's failure to get sovereignty of Pulau Batu Puteh was not due to the weakness of its arguments presented before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim said Friday.

"The fact that we have lost Pulau Batu Puteh is not due to the weakness of our arguments but to the lack of exercise by the authorities (on that island) for some 100 years," he told Malaysian journalists at the Malaysian embassy here.

He said that what was important to note was that the explanation given by the ICJ in its decision to award sovereignty was based on the fact that beginning from 1850 until 1953, Malaysia did not, in terms of evidence, effect any action or grounds which could be accepted as proof of sovereignty, be it in terms of occupation, conducting checks or supervision activities on Pulau Batu Puteh.

The Court had also emphasised that the map drawn up and produced by Malaysia in 1962, 1965, 1974 and 1975 had actually reflected on Singapore's claim, he said.

Rais said that another reason was the letter written by the Johor Acting State Secretary dated Sept 21, 1953 which the Court regarded as proof that there was a handover of power and sovereignty over the island.

The letter stated that "Johore Government (did) not claim ownership" of the island. Singapore had argued that the letter had expressed disclaimer of title of Pulau Batu Puteh.

The letter was in response to an enquiry dated June 12, 1953 made on behalf of the Singapore Colonial Secretary seeking to clarify the status of Pulau Batu Puteh, where a lighthouse had been built, with a view to determining the "boundaries of the Colony's territorial waters".

Rais said that while Pulau Batu Puteh was the significant material where the Horsburgh Lighthouse had been built and the administration done by Singapore, "We should also tell the public in Malaysia that we also won Middle Rocks which is so close."

"Of course in terms of area we have less than what it is compared to Pulau Batu Puteh but nonetheless, because of the adjacent position of these two units neither party can do any exercise of reclamation for anything without consultations," he said.

On the judgement he said: "We should not create commotion out of it because for the last two weeks we have laid the ground for a peaceful solution. The fact that we have won half and Singapore half, this is to us sufficient reward so far," he said.

As for South Ledge, the joint technical committee set up by both countries would hold a meeting not later than two weeks from Friday to lay down the principles and the steps ahead, Rais said.

He said the ICJ had ruled that sovereignty over South Ledge belongs to the state in the territorial waters of which it is located and as such this had to be determined.

"What's important now is the bilateral relations between Malaysia and Singapore. This decision should not in any way hinder us to go forward and reach out for those things that both of us have been wanting to," he said.

Meanwhile, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Prof S. Jayakumar said the court had awarded sovereignty of Pulau Batu Puteh to Singapore, which is the most important feature.

He said that of course Singapore would be happier if the court decided that it has sovereignty over the island and the two marine features but what important was that both countries have agreed to solve the dispute in an amicable way.

Malaysia's Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail said the Malaysian team had put in good effort including that relating to the 1953 letter.

But unfortunately, he said, the ICJ found the letter was significant to the case.

Malaysia had argued during the oral submission from Nov 6 to 23 last year that the Acting Johor State Secretary had no authority and capacity to issue the letter - Bernama

Tumpu Tubir Selatan: Rais

Daripada Khirul Bahri Basaruddin

THE HAGUE: Menteri Luar Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim yakin rakyat akan menerima keputusan Mahkamah Keadilan Antarabangsa (ICJ) yang memberi hak kedaulatan Batuan Tengah kepada Malaysia dan Pulau Batu Puteh kepada Singapura.

Katanya, rakyat yang sudah diberitahu mengenai kesan daripada keputusan itu menerusi taklimat serta siaran media perlu menerima keputusan yang dianggap sebagai menang-menang untuk kedua-dua negara.

"Tidak timbul soal rakyat akan melakukan kekecohan kerana mahkamah itu jelas memberi kita kemenangan melalui hak kedaulatan Batuan Tengah," katanya kepada wartawan Malaysia di Kedutaan Malaysia di sini semalam.

Dr Rais berkata, pihaknya kini akan memberi tumpuan kepada meneliti dan mengkaji keputusan itu terutama membabitkan Tubir Selatan yang hak kedaulatan tidak memihak kepada Malaysia atau Singapura.

Katanya, Jawatankuasa Teknikal yang dibentuk kedua-dua negara untuk mengkaji keputusan itu akan bermesyuarat dua minggu lagi dan delegasi Malaysia akan diketuai Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Luar, Tan Sri Rastam Mohd Isa.

Dr Rais berkata, kedudukan Tubir Selatan hanya dapat ditentukan hasil rundingan jawatankuasa berkenaan.

Ejen Malaysia, Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Mohamad, pula berkata ketika ini belum ada sebarang kesan daripada keputusan mahkamah semalam.

“Kedudukan Pulau Batu Puteh dan Batuan Tengah agak dekat, sekali gus perlu ada proses rundingan jika satu daripada negara ingin melakukan sesuatu di kawasan masing-masing. Masa depan pulau itu dan kedua-dua bentuk maritim terbuka untuk rundingan," katanya.

Peguam Negara, Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail, berkata pasukan perundangan Malaysia berjaya memberi persembahan mantap terutama ketika berhujah mengenai isu surat Penolong Setiausaha Kerajaan Johor yang tidak mengikat kes Malaysia.

Bagaimanapun, katanya, mahkamah memutuskan surat itu mempunyai kepentingan besar sekali gus menyokong tuntutan Singapura.

"Saya berpendapat kesan keputusan mahkamah itu akan lebih jelas apabila hanya sebuah negara mendapat hak kedaulatan ke atas pulau terbabit serta dua bentuk maritim itu, " katanya.

Sementara itu, Timbalan Perdana Menteri Singapura, Prof S Jayakumar, berkata Singapura menyambut baik keputusan itu yang memberi hak kedaulatan Pulau Batu Puteh kepada negara itu.

"Pulau Batu Puteh antara bentuk muka bumi yang penting berbanding dua lagi dan kami lebih gembira jika mahkamah memutuskan ketiga-tiga bentuk bumi itu hak kami, " katanya.

Bagaimanapun, katanya, Singapura menerima keputusan mahkamah kerana apa yang lebih penting kedua-dua negara bersetuju menyelesaikan pertikaian itu secara berhemah.

Jayakumar berkata, kedua-dua negara juga berjanji menghormati sebarang keputusan mahkamah bagi memastikan hubungan dua hala tidak terjejas dan Singapura dan Malaysia berjaya menunjukkan kepada negara lain di rantau ini bagaimana pertikaian boleh diselesaikan secara aman dan berhemah - Berita Harian

Middle Rocks Now Happy Hunting Ground For Johor Fishermen

From Nor Faridah A. Rashid

THE HAGUE, May 24 - Johor fishermen can now fish to their hearts' content in the fish-rich waters of Middle Rocks, without fear of being shooed away by Singapore naval authorities as they have been since the mid-80's.

This follows the awarding of sovereignty over Middle Rocks to Malaysia by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a 15 to 1 vote in The Hague Friday.

Middle Rocks lies close to Pulau Batu Puteh, located 7.7 nautical miles off Johor's Tanjung Penyusuh, and sovereignty over which was awarded to Singapore by the ICJ in a 12 to four vote in the same judgement.

Prof Dr Nik Anuar Nik Mahmud of the Institute of Malay World and Civilisation, one of the researchers for Malaysia in the sovereignty dispute case, said the Johor fishermen can now go back to fishing in the waters of Middle Rocks.

They had been deprived of the rich fishing ground since 1986 when they were always shooed away from the area by the Singapore naval authories, he told Malaysian journalists here. Singapore had established a naval presence on the nearby Pulau Batu Puteh in the mid-80's.

During oral arguments from Nov 6 to 23 last year, the ICJ was told that fishermen from Johor used the waters off Pulau Batu Puteh for fishing and shelter until the mid-80's when Singapore established a permanent naval presence there and prevented them from fishing close to the island.

Noor Farida Ariffin, former Malaysian ambassador to the Netherlands and co-agent for the case, said the fishermen had the right to fish in the Middle Rocks area now that the court had declared that sovereignty over the marine feature belonged to Malaysia.

"Upon reflection, the ICJs decision was not bad at all," she said.

Prof Nik Anuar said the fact was that Malaysia now had sovereignty over Middle Rocks, which was a victory for the country and, as such, the fishermen would not face any problem like they did until now.

Malaysia could also build infrastructure on Middle Rocks or even station its navy personnel there if it wanted to, he said in outlining some of the activities which Malaysia could now do on Middle Rocks.

The ICJ decision giving sovereignty over Middle Rocks to Malaysia also means that Singapore is now more constrained in carrying out activities like reclamation due to the close proximity, about half a nautical mile, of Pulau Batu Puteh, or Pedra Branca as Singapore calls it, to Middle Rocks.

During the oral arguments, the ICJ was told of Singapores proposed reclamation plan to extend the island.

"Whatever plans they may have, like the reclamation plan, they cannot do it now," an official said.

In its judgment, the ICJ also ruled by 15 to 1 that sovereignty over another rock, South Ledge, belongs to the country in the territorial waters of which the feature is located.

This piece of the judgment was greeted positively by the Malaysian delegation led by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim as South Ledge, a low tide elevation located just 1.7 km from Middle Rocks, was well within Malaysian waters, said officials.

There is a mood of confidence in the Malaysian delegation that Malaysia may just get South Ledge.

Rais told Malaysian journalists that since South Ledge is within the territorial waters of Middle Rocks, Malaysia appeared to be the sovereign holder.

The ICJ, in its ruling, noted that South Ledge fell within the apparently overlapping territorial waters generated by Pulau Batu Puteh and by Middle Rocks.

It concluded that since it had not been mandated by the two sides to draw the line of delimitation with respect to their territorial waters in the area, sovereignty over South Ledge belonged to the country in the territorial waters of which the rock was located.

Another positive aspect in the judgment relating to the sovereignty of Pulau Batu Puteh was the fact that the court had accepted that the Johor Sultanate had the original title to the island although Singapore had said that the island was "terra nullius" (no mans land) when Britain took possession of it in the mid-1800s to build the Hosburgh Lighthouse.

However, the court ruled that by 1980 when the dispute regarding Pulau Batu Puteh crystallised, sovereignty over the island was passed to Singapore.

This conclusion was based on the fact that between 1850 and 1953 Malaysia did not, in terms of evidence, effect any action or grounds which can be accepted as proof of sovereignty, be it in terms of occupation, conducting checks or supervision activities on Pulau Batu Puteh.

Another factor which led to Malaysia losing sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh to Singapore was the letter written by the Johor acting State Secretary dated Sept 21 1953 which the court regarded as proof that there was a handover of power and sovereignty over the island.

The letter stated that the "Johore Government (did) not claim ownership" of the island. Singapore had argued that the letter had expressed disclaimer of title of Pulau Batu Puteh.

The letter was in response to an enquiry dated June 12 1953 made on behalf of the Singapore Colonial Secretary seeking to clarify the status of Pulau Batu Puteh, where a lighthouse had been built, with a view to determining the "boundaries of the colony's territorial waters".

This goes to show that what civil servants do may have a repercussion and one should not take things for granted, although Malaysia had contended during the oral arguments that the Johor acting State Secretary did not have the authority or capacity to issue the letter - Bernama

Singapore Pleased With ICJ Decision On Pulau Batu Puteh

By Zakaria Abdul Wahab

SINGAPORE, May 23 - Singapore is pleased with the judgment of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague Friday which awarded sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh, the key feature in its dispute with Malaysia, to the republic.

Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs however said the judgment was not totally in its favour as the ICJ had awarded Middle Rocks to Malaysia.

In a statement released in response to ICJ's decision, the ministry said the court also decided that South Ledge belonged to the country in whose territorial waters it was located.

"We had argued that these features are part of Pedra Branca (as Singapore calls Pulau Batu Puteh) but as the court had found otherwise, Singapore accepts the courts decision," the ministry said.

It said the judgment had brought to a closure a long standing territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore.

On media queries on the implications of the judgment on issues regarding Singapores entitlement to territorial sea or maritime zones around Pulau Batu Puteh, the ministry said the ICJ was not asked to determine such questions of maritime space or boundary delimitation.

It said Singapores rights and interests on these matters would be pursued in accordance with international law.

The ministry said Singapore had a territorial sea limit that extended up to a maximum of 12 nautical miles and an Exclusive Economic Zone which was consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of Dec 10, 1982 which Singapore was a State Party to.

The precise coordinates of Singapores territorial sea and Exclusive Economic Zone would be announced at an appropriate time, it said.

"Should the limits of its territorial sea or Exclusive Economic Zone overlap with claims of neighbouring countries, Singapore will negotiate with those countries with a view to arriving at agreed delimitations in accordance with international law," the ministry said.

"Singapore reserves its position on international agreements it is not a party to," it added - Bernama

Muhyiddin Asks The People To Accept ICJ's Decision

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 - International Trade and Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin calls on the people to accept the split decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Friday which gave sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh to Singapore.

He said although the decision was disappointing, it had to be accepted.

"I'm rather disappointed with the decision made by the ICJ on Pulau Batu Puteh which was not in favour of Malaysia.

"As a subject of Johor, I'm sad because whatever consideration applied by the ICJ under international law, in terms of the historical value, sovereignty and morality, we have lost part of our territory," he said here, shortly after the ICJ made the decision.

The ICJ which sat in The Hague, The Netherlands, voted 12-4 in favour of Singapore, stipulating that the neighbouring country had sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh, while Malaysia was given sovereignty over Middle Rocks after a 15-1 vote.

The ICJ also decided that South Ledge belongs to the country in whose territorial waters it is located.

Based on the judgement, the ICJ decision on Pulau Batu Puteh referred to the letter written by an officer representing the Johor State Secretary in 1953 which the court considered as evidence that power and sovereignty over the island had been handed over to Singapore.

The judgement ended a 28-year-old dispute between Malaysia and Singapore over the island, which was called Pedra Blanca by Singapore, as well as the two corral reefs.

Muhyiddin said Malaysia's success in its claim over Middle Rocks was considered as "a slight boost to our disappointment".

"Hopefully, Singapore will not be arrogant over the latest decision on Pulau Batu Puteh," he said.

Meanwhile, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), Datuk Seri Mohamed Jawhar Hassan said the ICJ decision should have a positive impact on Malaysia-Singapore bilateral relations.

He said this was because it had resolved a dispute which had dragged on for a long time. "The issue is no longer an irritant in our relations. On the part of the people, they should accept it positively," he said when commenting on the decision.

Mohamad Jawhar said Malaysia had decided to accept whatever decision made by the ICJ, whether in favour of Malaysia or Singapore.

"The ICJ decision was made based on submissions made by both parties and much depended on the actions taken by both countries in the 19th, 20th centuries... these were all actions taken by the authorities during the colonial government, Malaya and so on," he said.

He hoped Malaysians would accept the decision responsibly and would respect the law.

"Don't be emotional and spread anti-Singapore sentiments which would not bring any benefit to Malaysia or to bilateral relations between the two countries," he said.

The decision did not mean that Malaysia lost everything because Malaysia too won in the claim over Middle Rocks and it was a win-win situation between Malaysia and Singapore.

Mohamad Jawhar said Malaysia had sent the strongest team with the best expertise to present its case at the ICJ.

The Malaysian team had been involved in the claims over Ligitan Island and Sipadan at the ICJ not long ago where the decision had been in Malaysia's favour.

He also hoped that Malaysia and Singapore could resolve the sovereignty over Southern Ledge amicably based on maritime law - Bernama

Usah salahkan sesiapa dengan keputusan ICJ

KUALA LUMPUR: Keputusan Mahkamah Keadilan Antarabangsa (ICJ) kelmarin yang memberi hak kedaulatan Pulau Batu Puteh kepada Singapura, tidak harus dipolitikkan oleh mana-mana pihak.

Naib Presiden Umno, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, berkata semua pihak juga diminta tidak menyalahkan sesiapa atas keputusan itu dan menerimanya dengan hati terbuka walaupun ia mengecewakan.

"Saya tidak rasa kita menyalahkan sesiapa... ia sudah diputuskan mahkamah tetapi kita akan pastikan sebarang keputusan yang dilakukan negara jiran kelak tidak akan menggugat kepentingan rakyat kita terutama di Johor," katanya kepada pemberita selepas Majlis Taklimat Tertutup "Tata Etika Ahli Umno" dengan Badan Perhubungan Umno Wilayah Persekutuan, di sini, semalam.

Beliau yang juga Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri berkata, Singapura juga harus mengambil kira bahawa kawasan itu sudah sebati dengan rakyat negara ini terutama di Johor.

"Kita harap mereka mempertimbangkan dan tidak mengancam rakyat kita kerana ia pernah menjadi sebahagian wilayah Malaysia," katanya.



Ketua Pemuda Umno, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, berkata walaupun kecewa dengan keputusan ICJ itu, rakyat Johor khususnya, harus bertenang dan menerima hakikat keputusan itu muktamad dan tiada rayuan.

"Kita sudah pun bersetuju dengan keputusan muktamad mahkamah itu dan kita mahukan kestabilan serantau terutama di kawasan tanah selatan ini berkekalan.

"Saya harap Pemuda Umno Johor melihat secara positif pembentukan jawatankuasa dua negara mengenai isu ini tetapi pada masa sama saya mahu juga mereka memantau pelaksanaan kerjasama jawatankuasa yang ditubuhkan itu supaya ia dapat memberi kebaikan kepada semua pihak," katanya.

Beliau yang juga Menteri Pelajaran berjanji memantau secara dekat kaedah yang dilaksanakan jawatankuasa teknikal bersama Malaysia-Singapura untuk menangani isu perairan sekitar Pulau Batu Puteh dalam memastikan ia bukan saja menjaga hubungan kedua-dua negara tetapi kepentingan rakyat Johor terutama nelayan.

Selain itu, beliau berkata, jawatankuasa terbabit juga harus memberi perhatian khusus isu laluan kapal serta ruang udara yang selama ini membelenggu kedua-dua negara kerana ia belum mencapai keputusan di mahkamah - Berita Harian

Tuntutan bertindih selesai dengan semangat ASEAN

PANEL 16 hakim Mahkamah Keadilan Antarabangsa (ICJ) di The Hague, Belanda semalam memberi keputusan 12-4 yang memutuskan bahawa Pulau Batu Putih adalah milik Singapura.

Bagaimanapun, dalam penghakiman mengenai kedaulatan Terumbu Karang Tengah (Middle Rocks) yang turut dituntut oleh Singapura, menjadi milik Malaysia dengan keputusan 15-1.

Mahkamah itu juga menetapkan bahawa Terumbu Karang Selatan adalah milik negara di mana terletaknya perairan wilayah.

ICJ telah mengumumkan keputusan siapa yang mempunyai hak kedaulatan terhadap Pulau Batu Putih yang terletak 7.7 batu nautika dari perairan Johor.

Bagi rakyat Malaysia tentu wujud perasaan sedih dan kecewa kehilangan kedaulatan terhadap Pulau Batu Putih yang sejak 28 tahun lamanya kita tuntut daripada negara jiran, Singapura.

Apa pun rakyat perlu menerima dengan hati ter- buka keputusan yang dibacakan oleh Hakim Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh petang semalam.

Hakikatnya, Malaysia dan Singapura telah berikrar mematuhi keputusan ICJ itu yang mana ia adalah muktamad dan tidak ada rayuan selepas ini.

Kita perlu ingat bahawa dalam mana-mana kes perundangan, keputusannya tidak boleh dijamin. Pasukan ejen Malaysia hanya boleh menyediakan hujah-hujah bernas serta mantap, selebihnya ia bergantung kepada penilaian hakim dalam membuat keputusan.

Mengambil nasihat Menteri Luar, Datuk Seri Dr. Rais Yatim, rakyat Malaysia perlu tenang dan ber- sikap matang berhubung perkara ini supaya kita tidak menterjemahkan ia kepada pergolakan politik.

Usah kerana Pulau Batu Putih, hubungan dua negara yang dipisahkan oleh Selat Tebrau mengalami kesan buruk.

Kita percaya tidak akan timbul masalah sedemikian terhadap negara jiran itu.

Kerana kita yakin bahawa kerajaan Malaysia akan berpegang teguh pada prinsip menyelesaikan sesuatu pertikaian itu secara aman. Dan dengan keputusan ICJ itu, kita perlu mengiktiraf kedaulatan dan menghormati wilayah yang diberikan kepada Singapura itu.

Kita perlu terus memanfaatkan hubungan persahabatan dan kejiranan. Malaysia dan Singapura pun telah bersetuju untuk tidak menimbulkan apa- apa angkara atau masalah hubungan dua hala dalam menerima penghakiman ICJ beberapa hari sebelum keputusan ini.

Jelas, ada pendekatan konstruktif telah kita amalkan bagi menyelesaikan masalah tertangguh, termasuk berkaitan tuntutan bertindih dan penentuan sempadan darat dan maritim.

Langkah mencari penyelesaian terhadap pertikaian melalui ICJ juga menunjukkan Malaysia dan Singapura menepati semangat ASEAN, seperti yang terkandung dalam Perjanjian Persahabatan dan Kerjasama di Asia Tenggara (TAC) - Utusan Malaysia

Singapura diharap tak angkuh

Oleh Amirullah Andi Nur, Norfatimah Ahmad, Faiza Zainudin dan Siti Fatimah Mohamed Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Kerajaan dan rakyat Singapura diharap tidak angkuh berikutan keputusan Mahkamah Keadilan Antarabangsa (ICJ) menyerahkan hak kedaulatan Pulau Batu Puteh seluas 2,000 meter persegi itu kepada republik berkenaan.

Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri (Miti), Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yang juga anak jati Johor mengakui kecewa dengan keputusan ICJ dan berharap semua pihak menerima keputusan itu.

“Sebagai rakyat Johor, saya sedih kerana walau apa asas undang-undang antarabangsa yang digunakan ICJ, dari segi nilai sejarah, kedaulatan dan moralnya kita sudah kehilangan sebahagian wilayah kita,” katanya ketika dihubungi semalam.

Bagaimanapun, Naib Presiden Umno yang juga Ahli Parlimen Pagoh itu berkata, keputusan ICJ mengenai Batuan Tengah yang menyebelahi Malaysia merawat sedikit kekecewaan rakyat dan negara.



Naib Presiden Umno, Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam juga kecewa dan sedih dengan kegagalan negara memastikan Pulau Batu Puteh kekal milik Malaysia.

Ketua Menteri Melaka itu berkata, walaupun kecewa dengan keputusan yang membabitkan kedaulatan negara, beliau tetap akur dengan keputusan ICJ.

"Kita perlu terima keputusan ICJ kerana ini adalah cara terbaik untuk kedua-dua negara menyelesaikan tuntutan bertindih terhadap pulau berkenaan," katanya.

Timbalan Menteri Luar, Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri pula meminta rakyat menerima dengan hati terbuka keputusan ICJ yang memberikan hak kedaulatan Pulau Batu Puteh kepada Singapura, manakala Batuan Tengah kepada Malaysia.

“Tindakan ini konsisten dengan pendirian negara yang menghormati sistem dan keluhuran undang-undang dan menghormati keputusan hakim yang mengambil kira fakta sejarah, keberkesanan dan tindakan pentadbiran terhadap pulau itu,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, rakyat perlu bersikap tenang seperti sebelum ini apabila menerima secara ‘gentleman’ kemenangan dalam kes Sipadan dan Ligitan yang memihak kepada Malaysia.

“Kita tidak mahu hubungan Malaysia dan Singapura terhakis akibat keputusan mahkamah yang sejak awal berikrar untuk mematuhinya walaupun kita sedar dengan kesedihan yang dirasai menyelubungi rakyat negara ini,” katanya.

Menteri Pelancongan, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said pula menganggap keputusan ICJ menyerahkan Pulau Batu Puteh kepada Singapura sebagai sesuatu yang menyedihkan khususnya rakyat Johor.

Beliau yang juga Ahli Parlimen Pengerang, bimbang kehilangan pulau yang terletak di luar pantai tenggara Pengerang yang jaraknya kira-kira 20 minit menaiki bot laju dari Teluk Ramunia itu memberi kesan buruk kepada penduduk kawasan itu dan sekitarnya.

Katanya, memberi hak pemilikan kepada Singapura bererti nasib penduduk terutama nelayan akan terjejas kerana pihaknya yakin kerajaan berkenaan akan cuba melakukan pelbagai aktiviti untuk meluaskan kawasan mereka.

Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna, Datuk Shahrir Samad, berkata rakyat perlu menerima keputusan itu dengan hati terbuka kerana sebelum ini negara bersetuju membawa kes ke ICJ.

Beliau yang juga Ahli Parlimen Johor Bahru, menganggap sekurang-kurangnya keputusan mahkamah itu dapat menyelesaikan pertikaian yang sudah berlarutan sejak sekian lama antara dua negara.

Exco Pemuda Umno, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir menyifatkan keputusan ICJ memberi hak kedaulatan Pulau Batu Puteh kepada Singapura adalah keputusan yang berat untuk diterima rakyat Malaysia.

Beliau berkata, keputusan itu memang sesuatu yang menyedihkan, namun ia adalah hakikat yang harus diterima - Berita Harian

Legal implications 'to be studied'

By Sheridan Mahavera

JOHOR BARU: The government will form a technical committee to study the legal implications of the International Court of Justice's decision on Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.

However, since the court upheld Malaysia's claim to Middle Rocks, Singapore cannot make any unilateral decision or work to reclaim land around the island republic.

Najib said the decision benefited Malaysia "on balance" as it confirmed the country's ownership of Middle Rocks and the area around it.

The marine feature, which lies south of Pulau Batu Puteh, is also important in determining maritime borders between Malaysia and Singapore.

"As far as Pulau Batu Puteh is concerned, it has always been managed by Singapore." The committee, he said, would meet and take a few weeks to study the implications of the decision but what was important was that Malaysians accepted it.

"Of course, I do understand the importance and the symbolic nature of Pulau Batu Puteh to Malaysia and to the people of Johor.

"I can understand the disappointment but we must take it in the spirit that it was our decision to take it (the dispute) to the ICJ."

On how he personally felt about the decision, Najib said: "When you go into court you want to win the maximum.

"We did not get all that we wanted. We got some of it. It is a disappointment, but it is something that we have to accept.

"Although we were not successful in the whole claim, at least we defended half of it," Najib added - NST

Rais sifatkan keputusan ICJ sebagai kemenangan bersama

KUALA LUMPUR: Menteri Luar, Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim menyifatkan keputusan Mahkamah Keadilan Antarabangsa (ICJ) bahawa Pulau Batu Puteh adalah milik Singapura dan Terumbu Karang Tengah milik Malaysia, sebagai satu kemenangan bersama.

Bercakap kepada pemberita di luar mahkamah di the Hague, Belanda, Rais berkata, walaupun kedaulatan Pulau Batu Puteh berpihak kepada republik itu, namun penting juga dilihat bahawa kedaulatan Terumbu Karang Tengah, yang dikenali sebagai Middle Rocks, diberi kepada Malaysia.

"Keputusan pada pagi ini (waktu Belanda) adalah memberi kemenangan kepada kedua-dua pihak...pada satu peringkat mahkamah ICJ memutus mengikut fakta sejarah dan perundangan antarabangsa serta menimbulkan kesan-kesan pentadbiran dan hal lain berkaitan tuntutan (Pulau) Batu Puteh.

"Mahkamah memutuskan untuk memberi kedaulatan kepada republik Singapura, tapi pada masa yang sama...ini penting...Pulau Middle Rocks adalah diberi milik kedaulatan kepada Malaysia. Dan ini merupakan satu kemenangan kepada Malaysia jua," katanya.

Mengenai Terumbu Karang Selatan yang juga dikenali South Ledge, Rais berkata, mahkamah menentukan bahawa kedaulatannya tertakluk kepada persempadanan perairan yang dimiliki oleh sesebuah negara.

"Ia mungkin nanti merupakan satu isu yang harus disusul bersama oleh Singapura dan Malaysia menentukan tahap serta status kedaulatan kepulauan berkenaan," katanya.

Rais berkata kedua-dua pihak sedang mengkaji alasan yang diberi oleh mahkamah berkaitan keputusan yang diumumkan hari ini.

"Jadi kesimpulannya pada pagi ini dalam keadaan win-win situation inilah kita dapat menentukan kedaulatan atas kedua-dua tuntutan berkenaan," katanya.

Beliau berkata susulan keputusan ini, kedua-dua pihak akan mewujudkan jawatankuasa dan perkara selanjutnya akan diumumkan melalui jawatankuasa berkenaan.

Katanya, berkata alasan yang diberikan oleh ICJ yang memberi kedaulatan Pulau Batu Puteh kepada Singapura adalah berdasarkan fakta bahawa sejak 1850-1953, Malaysia tidak ada bukti menjalankan apa-apa kegiatan atau yang boleh diterima sebagai bukti kedaulatan sama ada pendudukan, pemerintahan mahupun penyeliaan atas Pulau Batu Puteh.

"Mahkamah juga menegaskan bahawa peta yang tertera dan diperbuat oleh Malaysia itu sesungguhnya mencerminkan juga apa-apa hal yang bersabit tuntutan Singapura.

"Oleh kerana pulau itu dan juga rumah api yang diletakkan di situ sebagai rumah api Horsburgh adalah milik Singapura," katanya.

Rais berkata surat pegawai yang mewakili Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Johor pada 1953 dianggap mahkamah sebagai bukti menyerahkan kuasa dan kedaulatan pulau itu. "Tuntutan lain yang diperbuat Singapura (juga) meyakinkan mahkamah bahawa Pulau Batu Puteh diserahkan kepada Singapura dalam bentuk pengawasan kedaulatan. "Dalam konteks yang agak berlainanlah maka mahkamah menentukan Middle Rocks adalah milik dan kedaulatan pada Malaysia," katanya - Bernama

Muhyiddin minta rakyat terima keputusan ICJ

KUALA LUMPUR: Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin meminta rakyat menerima penghakiman Mahkamah Keadilan Antarabangsa (ICJ) hari ini yang memutuskan Pulau Batu Puteh adalah milik Singapura.

Beliau berkata walaupun keputusan itu sesuatu yang mengecewakan tetapi ia harus diterima.

"Saya agak kecewa dengan keputusan yang dibuat oleh ICJ mengenai Pulau Batu Puteh yang tidak menyebelahi Malaysia.

"Sebagai rakyat Johor, saya sedih kerana walau apa asas undang-undang antarabangsa yang digunakan oleh ICJ, dari segi nilai sejarah, kedaulatan dan moralnya kita sudah kehilangan sebahagian daripada wilayah kita,” katanya di sini hari ini sejurus selepas ICJ membuat keputusan itu.

ICJ yang bersidang di The Hague, Belanda melalui pengundian 12-4 yang berpihak kepada Singapura menetapkan bahawa negara jiran itu mempunyai hak kedaulatan terhadap Pulau Batu Puteh, manakala Malaysia pula melalui pengundian 15-1 diberikan hak kedaulatan terhadap Terumbu Karang Tengah — Bernama

Pulau Batu Puteh sah milik Singapura

KUALA LUMPUR: Pulau Batu Puteh yang menjadi pertikaian antara Malaysia dan Singapura selama 28 tahun hari ini kini disahkan milik Singapura selepas ia diputuskan Mahkamah Keadilan Antarabangsa (ICJ) di The Hague, Belanda.

Keputusan ICJ itu akan disampaikan oleh Naib Presiden Mahkamah itu, Hakim Awn Shawkat Al Khasawneh yang juga Pemangku Presiden, tepat jam 5.50 petang.

Keputusan itu disiarkan secara langsung oleh RTM1, mulai kira jam 4 petang ini.

Pulau Batu Puteh atau Pedra Branca (bahasa Portugal untuk "Batu Putih") adalah sebuah pulau tunggul sebesar dua padang bola sepak, yang terletak di luar pantai tenggara Pengerang, Johor, Malaysia.

Luasnya 0.2 hektar, berbatu-batu dan kira-kira 12.8 km dari Pengerang dan 64 km ke timur Singapura dan hanya 20 minit dengan bot laju dari Teluk Ramunia, Pengerang, Johor.

Pertikaian kedaulatan pulau itu antara isu kedua-dua negara yang berlarutan hampir 28 tahun.

Singapura mendakwa Pulau Batu Puteh miliknya selepas pemetaan wilayah dibuat Malaysia pada 1979.

Pada 24 Julai 2003, Malaysia dan Singapura secara bersama memulakan proses perundangan bagi menyelesaikan tuntutan Singapura melalui penyampaian secara rasmi kepada ICJ - Berita Harian

Latest Upadate - 23 May 2008

LATEST!:
Singapore gets Pulau Batu Puteh while Malaysia given Middle Rocks - Bernama

THE HAGUE, Fri: The International Court of Justice here today ruled Singapore has sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh while Malaysia owns Middle Rocks, and South Ledge belongs to the state in whose territorial waters it is located.

The judgment brought to a close a 28-year-old territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore over the island which Singapore called Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.

Pulau Batu Puteh is located 7.7 nautical miles off the coast of Johor's Tanjung Penyusuh. Both countries have pledged to abide by the decision of the ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, whose decision is final and not subject to appeal.

Malaysia and Singapore have also repeatedly emphasised that whatever decision handed down by the ICJ, would not strain ties between the two neighbours.

The judgment was delivered by ICJ Vice-President Shawkat Al-Khasawneh, who was the Acting President in the case, at 10am Netherlands time and ended reading out the verdict five minutes before noon.

Shawkat and 15 other judges had heard oral submissions by both countries from Nov 6-23 last year.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim regarded the judgment as a "win-win" situation and stated that the status quo remained although Singapore had sovereignty over Pulau Batu Puteh and Malaysia over Middle Rocks.

The delivery of the judgment was televised live by RTM from The Hague, Netherlands, from 10am (4pm in Malaysia) - NST

ICJ masih bersidang tentukan pemilik Pulau Batu Puteh

KUALA LUMPUR: Mahkamah Keadilan Antarabangsa (ICJ) di The Hague, Belanda ketika ini masih bersidang bagi membuat keputusan pemilik sah Pulau Batu Puteh yang menjadi pertikaian antara Malaysia dan Singapura selama 28 tahun.

Naib Presiden mahkamah itu, Hakim Awn Shawkat Al Khasawneh yang juga Pemangku Presiden, masih membaca fakta kes dan persidangan itu kini disiarkan secara langsung oleh RTM1, mulai jam 4 petang tadi.

Keputusan negara pemilik sah pulau itu dijangka dibuat dalam beberapa minit lagi.

Pulau Batu Puteh atau Pedra Branca (bahasa Portugal untuk "Batu Putih") adalah sebuah pulau tunggul sebesar dua padang bola sepak, yang terletak di luar pantai tenggara Pengerang, Johor, Malaysia.

Luasnya 0.2 hektar, berbatu-batu dan kira-kira 12.8 km dari Pengerang dan 64 km ke timur Singapura dan hanya 20 minit dengan bot laju dari Teluk Ramunia, Pengerang, Johor.

Pertikaian kedaulatan pulau itu antara isu kedua-dua negara sudah berlarutan hampir 28 tahun.

Singapura mendakwa Pulau Batu Puteh miliknya selepas pemetaan wilayah dibuat Malaysia pada 1979.

Pada 24 Julai 2003, Malaysia dan Singapura secara bersama memulakan proses perundangan bagi menyelesaikan tuntutan Singapura melalui penyampaian secara rasmi kepada ICJ - Berita Harian

Hak Batu Puteh ditentu hari ini

Oleh Khirul Bahri Basaruddin di The Haque, Belanda

Kekuatan 14 hujah perkuat tuntutan: Dr Rais

MALAYSIA akan mempertahankan kedaulatan setiap inci kawasan miliknya walaupun saiznya sekecil setengah padang bola sepak seperti dalam kes Pulau Batu Puteh, Batuan Tengah dan Tubir Selatan yang akan ditentukan pemiliknya oleh Mahkamah Keadilan Antarabangsa (ICJ), di sini hari ini.

Menteri Luar, Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, berkata Malaysia mengambil keputusan merujuk kes yang menjadi pertikaian dengan Singapura kira-kira 30 tahun itu ke ICJ untuk mencari penyelesaian negara yang mempunyai hak kedaulatan pulau berkenaan.

"Orang hairan kenapa kita berebut kawasan batu yang saiznya sebesar setengah padang bola sepak. Bagi saya batu itu adalah sebahagian daripada Malaysia dan kita perlu mendapatkan kepastian pemilik sah kawasan itu.

"Oleh itu, melalui pentadbiran dan kemampuan undang-undang, kedaulatan kawasan batu itu milik Johor serta Malaysia, " katanya dalam pertemuan dengan media Malaysia di sini semalam.

Dr Rais mengetuai delegasi Malaysia mendengar keputusan 14 hakim tetap dan dua hakim ad-hoc ICJ untuk memutuskan kedaulatan kawasan itu.

FAKTA: Tuntutan Pulau Batu Puteh

Jika keputusan berpihak kepada Malaysia

• Kedaulatan negara dikembalikan dan terpelihara kerana berjaya menuntut kembali hak yang digunakan oleh penjajah tanpa izin sejak 1840-an.



• Malaysia akan mempunyai kawasan laut yang luas dengan tambahan keluasan sejauh 200 nautika diukur dari Pulau Batu Puteh.



• Menguasai seluruh hasil bumi dalam kawasan sempadan iaitu gas dan petroleum sekitar perairan kawasan itu.



• Laluan laut ke laut China Selatan akan terbuka dan memberikan kebebasan perjalanan laut oleh kapal daripada Malaysia tanpa membabitkan keizinan diplomatik oleh negara luar jika menggunakan laluan itu.



• Meningkatkan pertahanan negara berbanding jika pulau itu dikuasai Singapura. Mengelakkan daripada kawasan sebelah tenggara Johor daripada dikuasai oleh kuasa asing bagi mengelakkan sebarang ancaman luar.



• Menguasai laluan kapal perdagangan paling sibuk di dunia dengan anggaran lebih 45,000 kapal dagang dari Eropah, Asia Tengah dan Asia Timur.



• Memperoleh kembali kawasan sumber hasil laut yang lumayan khususnya untuk nelayan dari Pengerang, Johor. Kawasan itu dipercayai kaya dengan sumber ikan dan udang kara kerana kehadiran plankton yang banyak di sekitar batu karang.

Jika keputusan berpihak kepada Singapura

• Singapura akan mempunyai Zon Kawasan Eksklusif Ekonomi (EEZ) sejauh 200 nautika sekitar Pulau Batu Puteh yang sempadannya terlalu hampir dengan perairan Johor. Ia juga akan meluaskan wilayah pentadbiran negara itu.



• Semua hasil laut dan bumi kawasan itu termasuk ikan, gas dan petroleum yang ditemui dalam kawasan itu akan menjadi milik Singapura.



• Perjalanan kapal Malaysia keluar ke Laut China Selatan melalui Selat Tebrau akan terhalang oleh wilayah jajahan Singapura sejauh 200 nautika. Ia adalah halangan besar dan menyekat kebebasan pelayaran negara dan semua perjalanan kerana perlu mendapatkan keizinan Singapura untuk ke Laut China Selatan.



• Malaysia kehilangan peluang meningkatkan ekonomi dengan menguasai laluan perairan paling sibuk di dunia iaitu Selat Tebrau dan hujung Selat Melaka untuk menjadi pelabuhan yang mampu mendatangkan sumber ekonomi seperti Singapura yang mengenakan bayaran untuk setiap perkhidmatan radar oleh kapal dagang yang menggunakan laluan itu.



• Ruang udara di Pulau Batu Puteh akan terbuka kepada Singapura untuk dilalui. Malaysia memerlukan keizinan diplomatik untuk melalui ruang udara Pulau Batu Puteh dan pesawat negara terpaksa melalui jalan lain dan pusingan yang jauh tanpa melalui ruang udara Pulau Batu Puteh.

- Berita Harian

Long wait for verdict on island

By Gladys Tay

JOHOR BARU: Fishermen in Pengerang are keeping their fingers crossed that the Pulau Batu Puteh verdict will be in Malaysia's favour.

The 1,500-strong fishing community cannot curb their impatience to return to the sea there, which is abundant with marine life.

They have been prevented from fishing in the area for the past 20 years due to Malaysia and Singapore's overlapping claims on the island.

Pengerang Fishermen's Association chairman Abu Bakar Mohamad said if the verdict goes Malaysia's way, the fishermen's livelihood would be uplifted.

“The area has remained untouched for many years and the amount of marine life available there is significant,” he said, adding that the waters off the island were rich in mackerel, pomfret and grouper fish.

Abu Bakar said that with the increased number of members, a larger zone was needed to support increasing demand for seafood.

He said fishermen who encroached near the island in the past were chased away by the Singapore marine police stationed there.

“We will be following the International Court of Justice's decision closely,” he added.

It is learnt that the Johor Fisheries Department advised fishermen during a briefing yesterday that they should accept whatever verdict calmly.

RTM will telecast live the ICJ's decision from The Hague at 4pm - The Star

Batu Puteh kembali kepada pemilik

Oleh Khirul Bahri Basaruddin

Menjelang keputusan ICJ berhubung hak milik dan kedaulatan Pulau Batu Puteh, hari ini

Pertikaian lebih 30 tahun antara Malaysia, Singapura sampai penghujung

MENANG atau kalah. Itulah hakikat yang perlu diterima oleh sesebuah negara apabila bersetuju merujuk pertikaian mereka ke Mahkamah Keadilan Antarabangsa (ICJ) bagi mencari jalan penyelesaian. Keputusan mahkamah yang menjadi organ undang-undang Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (PBB) itu adalah muktamad dan tidak boleh dirayu lagi.

Malaysia dan Singapura melalui Perjanjian Khas 2003 bersetuju merujuk berhubung pertikaian kedaulatan Pulau Batu Puteh, terletak kira-kira 7.7 batu nautika dari Malaysia dan 25.5 batu nautika dari Singapura kepada ICJ untuk membuat keputusan pertikaian hampir 30 tahun itu.

Berdasarkan latar belakang pertikaian itu, ia bermula pada 14 Februari 1980 apabila Singapura pertama kali membuat tuntutan ke atas Pulau Batu Puteh melalui Nota Diplomatik membantah terhadap keputusan Malaysia memasukkan pulau itu sebagai sebahagian daripada pulau milik Malaysia dalam peta Malaysia yang diterbitkan pada 1979.

Pada masa itu, tidak timbul tuntutan Singapura ke atas Batuan Tengah dan Tubir Selatan atas alasan yang kita tidak ketahui, tetapi dalam perbincangan dua hala pertama pada Februari 1993, negara itu membangkitkan soal tuntutan ke atas kedua-dua bentuk muka bumi berkenaan secara jelas berbeza daripada Pulau Batu Puteh.

Batuan Tengah dan Tubir Selatan secara geologi bersambung dengan Pulau Batu Puteh. Batuan Tengah dipisahkan dari Pulau Batu Puteh oleh saluran 0.6 batu lebar, manakala Tubir Selatan kira-kira 2.1 batu dari pulau berkenaan.

Malah, Singapura tidak menunjukkan ada menjalankan kegiatan di Batuan Tengah dan Tubir Selatan bagi membolehkan tuntutan dibuat sebelum rundingan dijalankan pada 1993. Kedua-dua bentuk muka bumi itu di bawah kedaulatan Johor kerana Batuan Tengah dan Tubir Selatan sejak dulu lagi sebahagian pulau, pulau kecil dan bentuk muka bumi di sebelah utara Selat Singapura yang kedaulatannya dikuasai Johor.

Pada September 1994, Malaysia dan Singapura bersetuju untuk merujuk pertikaian itu kepada ICJ dan pada Februari 2003, kedua-dua negara itu menandatangani perjanjian khas bagi mendapat keputusan muktamad daripada mahkamah dunia itu.

Melalui perjanjian khas itu, Malaysia dan Singapura mengemukakan memorial atau dokumen kes dan Memorial Balasan masing-masing pada 25 Mac 2004 dan 25 Januari 2005. Kedua-dua negara juga mengemukakan jawapan masing-masing pada November 2005.

Mahkamah memulakan prosiding lisan pada 6 hingga 23 November tahun lalu di hadapan 14 panel hakim tetap dan dua hakim ad-hoc ICJ yang dipengerusikan oleh Naib Presiden ICJ, Hakim Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh.

Namun, hari ini adalah tarikh keramat bagi kedua-dua negara apabila barisan 16 panel hakim ICJ membuat keputusan mengisytiharkan kedaulatan Pulau Batu Puteh serta muka bumi berdekatan, Batuan Tengah dan Tubir Selatan milik kekal salah satu daripada negara anggota Asean itu.

Sebaik saja mahkamah membuat keputusannya, Malaysia dan Singapura terpaksa menerima keputusan itu sebagai negara 'pemenang' dan 'kalah' di persada undang-undang antarabangsa yang menjadi pentas untuk kedua-dua negara mencari jalan penyelesaian, sekali gus meneruskan perancangan yang dibuat di kawasan yang menjadi pertikaian itu.

Bagi Malaysia, keputusan membawa kes itu ke mahkamah adalah satu 'kemenangan moral' kerana sejak kira-kira 150 tahun Pulau Batu Puteh, Batuan Tengah dan Tubir Selatan itu berada di bawah penguasaan Singapura yang mengambil alih pentadbiran Rumah Api Horsburgh di Pulau Batu Puteh daripada penjajah British, selepas negara itu menjadi sebuah republik pada 1963.

Atas kebijaksanaan pasukan perunding dari Kementerian Luar yang bermula daripada bekas Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Luar, Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Mohamad dan Tan Sri Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak berjaya membawa pertikaian itu ke meja rundingan, sekali gus mendapat persetujuan kedua-dua kerajaan merujuk pertikaian kepada ICJ.

Apabila kes itu dibawa ke mahkamah, mengikut pengiraan sama ada Malaysia boleh menang atau tidak, secara moralnya kita sudah menang 50 peratus. Alasannya, jika tidak dibawa ke mahkamah sehingga hari ini pulau yang menjadi pertikaian itu milik Singapura selama-lamanya.

Kita tidak mungkin mengangkat senjata untuk mengambil semula pulau itu, bukan kerana kita tidak mempunyai kekuatan tetapi Malaysia sejak penubuhan Asean berpegang kepada semangat pertubuhan itu yang menyelesaikan segala pertikaian di meja rundingan atau jalan muktamad melalui mahkamah seperti ICJ atau Tribunal Antarabangsa Mengenai Undang-Undang Laut (Itlos), berhubung kes penambakan laut yang dijalankan Singapura di sekitar Selat Johor.

Apakah peluang Malaysia selepas 50 peratus menang secara moral? Kita berpegang kepada kenyataan Menteri Luar, Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, yang yakin negara ini boleh menang dalam pertikaian itu berdasarkan fakta sejarah dan hujah undang-undang termasuk kes rujukan undang-undang serta dokumen sokongan seperti peta.

Tidak salah kita katakan, pasukan undang-undang yang dianggotai anak tempatan serta peguam antarabangsa berjaya meyakinkan panel hakim dalam prosiding lisan selama tiga minggu kedaulatan Pulau Batu Puteh, Batuan Tengah dan Tubir Selatan adalah hak Malaysia sejak sebelum British melalui Syarikat India Timur (EIC) mendapat kebenaran membina dan mengendali rumah api daripada Kesultanan Johor pada 25 November 1844 .

Hujah yang menyokong kes Malaysia dan menyanggah kes Singapura; Malaysia berjaya membuktikan sebelum 1847, Pulau Batu Puteh menjadi sebahagian wilayah Sultan Johor. Singapura gagal menunjukkan Pulau Batu Puteh terra nullius atau tidak bertuan.

Pulau Batu Puteh bukan terra nullius pada 1847 dan 1851 apabila EIC siap membina rumah api Horsburgh. Singapura menggunakan hujah pihak British menjejak kaki mereka pada 1847 di pulau yang tidak bertuan itu untuk membina rumah api dan 1851, sebagai tarikh operasi rumah api itu bermula.

Bagaimanapun, Malaysia berjaya mematah kes Singapura yang bergantung penuh kepada hujah Pulau Batu Puteh terra nullius tetapi jika ia milik Johor seperti yang dihujahkan Malaysia, kes republik itu musnah.

Singapura bergantung penuh kepada kegiatan yang berlaku antara 1847 dan 1851 dengan alasan pulau itu terbuka untuk diduduki bagi menuntut kedaulatan pulau berkenaan.

Sejarah yang disokong keterangan kukuh membuktikan perjanjian Johor-British dan British-Belanda pada 1824 mengesahkan bahawa Sultan Johor mempunyai hak milik asal dan kemudian Malaysia ke atas Pulau Batu Puteh, Batuan Tengah dan Tubir Selatan.

Berdasarkan beberapa alasan kukuh, kita yakin kemenangan berpihak kepada Malaysia kerana republik itu hanya mengemukakan dua hujah utama iaitu, Pulau Batu Puteh terra nullius atau tidak bertuan dan kedua, menggunakan prinsip effectivit 'es atau pentadbiran berkesan berhubung semua kegiatan yang dijalankan sejak 1951 hingga 1980 membuktikan negara itu mempunyai hak kedaulatan ke atas ketiga-tiga bentuk bumi yang menjadi pertikaian itu.

Dalam prosiding lisan itu, Singapura merujuk kes Malaysia lawan Indonesia (Pulau Sipadan dan Pulau Ligitan), antara lain negara itu mendakwa prinsip kes itu menyokong tuntutan republik berkenaan. Pentadbiran berkesan bermaksud negara yang menduduki kawasan yang menjadi pertikaian itu menjalankan pelbagai kegiatan serta ada memperkenalkan undang-undang tempatan, contohnya dalam kes Pulau Sipadan dan Pulau Ligitan, Malaysia mewartakan Ordinan Pemuliharaan Penyu 1917 dan Peraturan Santuari Burung 1933.

Sehubungan itu, Malaysia cuma perlu membuktikan kepada mahkamah bahawa ia mempunyai hak milik asal ke atas pulau itu dan jika hujah itu diterima, Malaysia tidak perlu mengemukakan sebarang bukti effectivit'es atau pentadbiran berkesan.

Malaysia, berdasarkan beberapa hujah dan alasan adalah pemilik asal Pulau Batu Puteh, Batuan Tengah dan Tubir Selatan sekali gus menolak hujah effectivit'es yang dikemukakan Singapura. Namun, kita tunggu dan lihat keputusan sebenar, hari ini - Berita Harian

Keputusan Batu Puteh dalam siaran langsung RTM1 4 petang ini

KUALA LUMPUR: Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) dijadual menyiarkan secara langsung keputusan pemilikan Pulau Batu Puteh yang menjadi rebutan antara Malaysia dan Singapura oleh Mahkamah Keadilan Antarabangsa (ICJ) dari The Hague, Belanda, jam 4 petang ini.

Siaran langsung menerusi RTM1 itu dijangka berlanjutan sehingga dua jam.

Keputusan itu bukan saja menjadi tumpuan rakyat negara ini, malah masyarakat antarabangsa kerana ia berkaitan dengan kedaulatan negara - Berita Harian

Be Calm And Mature In Accepting ICJ Decision, Says Rais

THE HAGUE, May 22 - Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim says Malaysians should be calm and mature in accepting whatever decision on the sovereignty of Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge is delivered by the International Court of Justice here Friday.

"(There is) the need for our Malaysian society to be calm and mature about it so as not to translate this into a political upheaval either way. This is very important," he told Malaysian journalists here.

Rais, who arrived today to attend the delivering of the ICJ decision on the dispute between Malaysia and Singapore, said that he had given briefings to Johor state leaders and the Sultan of Johor on the atmosphere of the case.

He reiterated that Malaysia was optimistic about the case, which was brought before the ICJ after both countries signed a special agreement on Feb 6, 2003.

"But as I stated earlier, how we respond is very important, if we win, it would not be very good to be overly euphoric," he said.

"But it is otherwise, our response must not hurt the feelings of others," said Rais.

"In a such a situation, although we are optimistic of winning, our ability to adapt after tomorrow is what counts," he added.

He also said that Malaysia had got sufficient submissions on grounds of evidence, historical aspects and on grounds of social and regal interest that the case ought to be in Malaysia's favour.

"People may just be curious, what do we do with an island which is half the size of a football field, (why) we are so worried about it, more over nothing grows there only rocks.

But the answer is this it is part of Malaysia, that is what we are saying and being part of Malaysia we would like to have the certainty of it back in our fold," Rais said.

Pulau Batu Puteh is located 7.7 nautical miles off the coast of Johor's Tanjung Penyusuh.

The decision on the dispute will be delivered by the Vice-President of the ICJ, Judge Awn Shawkat Al-Khasawneh, who was the Acting President in the case, at about 10am (4pm Malaysian time).

He is expected to complete reading the judgment in two hours. A panel of 16 judges including Al Khasawneh had heard the case.

During the proceedings from Nov 6 to 23 last year, the Malaysia team was headed by Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Mohamad, who was Malaysia's agent for the case while Datuk Noor Farida Ariffin was the co-agent.

Others were Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail and Malaysia's team of international lawyers.

They were Sir Elihu Lauterpacht and James Crawford, both professors in International Law at the Cambridge University; Nicolaas Jan Schrijver, professor of Public International Law, Leiden University; Marcelo G. Kohen, professor of International Law, the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva; and Penelope Nevill, college lecturer, Downing College, Cambridge University - BERNAMA

Secret ballot to decide outcome

KUALA LUMPUR: The outcome of the Pulau Batu Puteh dispute tomorrow will be decided through secret ballot by the judges presiding over the issue at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Malaysia's agent for the case at the ICJ, Tan Sri Abdul Kadir Mohamad, said the judges would also state their reasons for their decision.

In a special briefing to journalists at Parliament House yesterday, he said the presiding president of the proceeding would cast his vote in the event of a tie.

"We cannot predict the basis of their decisions," he said.

This was because there was no indication on whether the judges would base their decision on whether the matter involved three distinct issues -- Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge -- as Malaysia had requested, or as a whole as requested by Singapore.

He said the decision could see the republic winning outright, merely getting one of the islands or losing their claim altogether.

It could also see the status quo maintained where Pulau Batu Puteh continued to be under Malaysian sovereignty while Singapore would be allowed to operate the lighthouse there.

Abdul Kadir said the Pulau Batu Puteh decision would not be as straightforward as the case of the Sipadan and Ligitan dispute with Indonesia, which was decided in Malaysia's favour by a vote of 16-1.

"It will not be that easy," said Abdul Kadir, who is the adviser for foreign affairs to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim has urged Malaysians to accept and respect whatever decision was made.

"Both Singapore and Malaysia will not make an issue of it," he said at the Parliament lobby after a briefing on the issue to both Dewan Rakyat and Dewan Negara members at Parliament House yesterday.

Abdullah also attended the briefing.

Rais said Malaysia and Singapore had agreed to set up a technical committee to manage issues arising from the Pualu Batu Puteh decision, whatever it was.

He said this was to enable the interests of both countries involving the island, such as the lighthouse and fishing rights in the surrounding waters, to be managed and administered based on international norms.

"For example, if Malaysia wins, the status of the lighthouse on the island needs to be determined as to whether we still allow Singapore to manage it." - NST