Impact of Malaysia's Intended Legal Action at ICJ on Singapore's Development Plans In and Around Pedra Branca

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs (a) whether Malaysia's intention to continue legal action at the International Court of Justice in the case concerning Singapore's sovereignty over Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge impacts Singapore's existing and planned development and land reclamation works in and around Pedra Branca; and (b) if so, how.

After the International Court of Justice's (ICJ’s) judgment in 2008 awarding sovereignty over Pedra Branca to Singapore, both Singapore and Malaysia publicly announced that they will accept and abide by the Court’s decision, which is final. Under the Statute of the ICJ, an application for revision cannot be made after the expiry of 10 years from the date of the 2008 judgment, that is, May 2018. To date, we have not received any details from Malaysia regarding their intention to continue legal action at the ICJ.

Nevertheless, Singapore stands ready to deal with whatever legal action Malaysia may pursue, so as to robustly defend our sovereignty over Pedra Branca. The development and land reclamation works at Pedra Branca are carried out within Singapore Territorial Waters and in accordance with international law.