How much has Malaysia spent on the Sulu dispute so far?

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Malaysia Has Spent Approximately RM31 Million on the Sulu Legal Dispute

The Malaysian government has incurred costs of approximately RM31 million in managing court cases related to the legal dispute initiated by the Sulu group. These expenditures, spanning from November 20, 2019, to January 20, 2024, encompass a range of services including international legal counsel, court proceedings, translation services, and extensive historical and legal research.
Breakdown of Legal Fees and Payments

The financial outlay for legal fees and associated payments shows a significant increase over the years. In 2019, the costs amounted to RM36,000, followed by RM167,000 in 2020. The figures escalated sharply in subsequent years, reaching RM8.2 million in 2021, RM13.5 million in 2022, and RM5.4 million in 2023. These expenses were directly tied to legal actions pursued across four different jurisdictions: Spain, France, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.
International Legal Battles and Arbitration

The legal dispute originated from claims by the Sulu group seeking compensation for land in Sabah, which they allege was leased to a British trading company in 1878. This matter escalated when a purported final award of USD14.92 billion was granted to the Sulu group by a Paris Arbitration Court on February 28, 2022. This arbitration award became a focal point of subsequent legal challenges.
Efforts to Set Aside Arbitration Award

In response to the arbitration award, Malaysia took action to have it set aside, arguing that its enforcement could jeopardise the nation's sovereignty over Sabah. Consequently, a French court granted Malaysia a stay order on the USD14.92 billion award. This stay remains in effect pending the final judicial decision on Malaysia's application to annul the award. The Malaysian government's appeal against a French court order dated September 29, 2022, was heard on February 6 at the French Court of Appeal, with a decision expected in June.

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How much has Malaysia spent on the Sulu dispute so far?

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