Saying the decision was demoralising and a sign that Malaysia was surrendering its sovereignty, Khaled said the people looked upon the government to claim what was rightfully Malaysia’s.

“Pedra Branca has always been regarded part of Johor, and it should remain a part of Johor and Malaysia,” said Khaled who is also the state Umno chief.

He questioned the PH-led Johor state government over its silence on the matter, saying the issue was not trivial as it involved Malaysia’s sovereignty.

He said the previous government’s challenge against the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) ruling in granting Pedra Branca to Singapore was based on new evidence gathered by the Attorney-General (AG).

He said the decision to stop pursuing Malaysia’s claim on the island should not be taken at a time when the AG was on leave.

On May 14, the government instructed AG Mohamed Apandi Ali to go on leave, with his duties to be carried out by the Solicitor-General.

In ICJ’s ruling in 2008, Pedra Branca, known by its Malaysian name “Pulau Batu Puteh”, was awarded to Singapore, while a formation of rocks nearby called the Middle Rocks was awarded to Malaysia.

In June last year, Malaysia said it would challenge the judgment, a move which drew support from Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

Khaled said the state government under Osman Sapian should now state its stand on Putrajaya’s latest decision.

“The Johor state government must have its own stand on this matter,” he added.