Azalina says Sulu heirs’ ‘disturbing’ threat to sue Malaysia for $15 billion in US court is ‘extortion scheme’

Malaysia celebrates a “decisive victory” over Sulu’s heirs following a French court ruling

Such demands, she said, pose a threat to the integrity of sovereign states and the principles of justice.

UTC has asked the Malaysian government for a direct payment of $15 billion in what it called “task money.”

The group also sought recognition of the UTC as a “sovereign and independent state kingdom.”

UTC’s claims emerged after unsuccessful attempts by the so-called heirs of the defunct Sultanate of Sulu, in search of compensation of 68.8 billion ringgit from Malaysia.

“The TPLF often chooses profit over justice, which calls into question the fundamental purpose of our legal system,” she said.

While litigation funding is crucial to access to justice, she said the industry’s multi-billion status raises questions on its true intentions.

“The lack of regulation poses a global threat and requires urgent supervision,” she added.

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Azalina said the secretive nature of TPLF in mock arbitrations requires global regulatory oversight and ethical standards to stop abuse and exploitation.

“Calls for transparency in TPLF are growing,” she said, adding that U.S. federal lawmakers and the European Parliament have proposed regulating the industry and mitigating national security threats.

“Litigation financing must be transparent and regulated to prevent abuse.

“Malaysia is committed to ongoing dialogue to effectively regulate this industry,” she said.