A self-proclaimed “Sultan of Sulu” reportedly initiated the $15-billion lawsuit against Malaysia over the disputed territory of Sabah, a source told DAILY TRIBUNE on Sunday. While courts in Spain, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg have dismissed efforts to enforce the arbitration award — citing procedural irregularities and jurisdictional overreach — a final hearing is set for Monday in the Paris Court of Appeal regarding a bid by supposed heirs of the Sultan of Sulu to enforce the controversial arbitration award. However, a source close to the Sultanate of Sulu told DAILY TRIBUNE that the direct heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu are not involved in the case filed in Spain.

Echeminada, P. (2025, July 7). Sultanate heirs disown $15-B Sabah arbitration. Daily Tribune, p. A3.