Malaysia - Brunei territorial disputes 2003-2009 / Khairun Syazwan Hj. Maharup

The South China Sea disputes consist of many claimants and among the claimants are Brunei, China, Malaysia, Taiwan, Philippines and Vietnam. The disputes becoming complicated with each of the claimant marking their own territory based on the United Nations Conventions on The Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Moreover, the establishment of Peta Baru by the Malaysian government led into several overlapping maritime territories along with its current territorial conflict. Hence, Malaysia enters several territorial disputes with Brunei namely, Limbang, Rangau, Lawas and Terumbu Semarang Kecil Barat (Louisa Reef). The tension increased in 2003 which some believed it nearly spark an armed conflict between both Navies between the two countries. Thus, the study seeks to identify the territorial disputes that Malaysia and Brunei shares and the resolution taken by both countries to settle the disputes. This can be a role model resolution and approach towards other claimants, especially in settling the South China Sea territorial disputes. Moreover, the research also identifies on the impact of the resolutions towards both bilateral relations and prior the resolution being established.