evidence: "This is an irresponsible statement that affects bilateral ties," Hishammuddin said. "Sabah is, and will always be, part of Malaysia." [...] Sabah is located at the north-eastern tip of Borneo and lies about 500 kilometres from the Philippines. Although Malaysia controls the territory, the Philippines has laid claim over Sabah since 1961. [...] Furthermore, S Jayaratnam, the vice dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Singapore defended Malaysia by averring that the Philippines’ claim was weak because neither the Philippines nor the heirs of the Sultan have exercised sovereignty or been in effective occupation of Sabah since 1878. Also, Malaysia contends that Sabah has been recognised by the UN and by other countries worldwide as a Malaysian territory thus justifying their claim.