In a statement issued today, VA said it has also filed a counterclaim against CMIT over the latter’s failure to fulfil its material obligations under an agreement between them.

The statement was issued in response to recent public disclosures by CMIT parent company Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd (CMSB) regarding the ongoing dispute.

VA said it wanted to put on record that the dispute arose from a letter of demand and notice of default issued by VA to CMIT.

It said that when CMIT failed to remedy the situation, it issued a notice of termination.

“As CMIT served its notice of arbitration before VA’s own forthcoming action was filed, VA proceeded with the counterclaim instead,” it said.

VA said its lawyers have also been notified by their counterparts in CMSB that the company has initiated a civil suit in Sarawak against VA and others.

“VA is still awaiting personal service of the court papers and will respond to them at the appropriate juncture,” the company added.