KOTA KINABALU, Aug. 2 -- Sabah's rights will be protected in ongoing negotiations with Indonesia over the disputed Ambalat maritime zone, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar dismissed claims that he had ignored the state's sovereignty over the oil-rich region in the Sulawesi Sea and said any agreement must involve both the Sabah state government and the state legislative assembly.

"This is a border issue between two countries, and Indonesia is an ally. President Prabowo is my personal friend, a family friend. I want it to be a good relationship.

"We talked about Sulawesi, and I wanted Hajiji to hear for himself, and give his view. We will discuss perimeters, following maritime laws, following history. It must be approve...