Malaysia is obligated as a signatory of the New York Convention to pay the US$14.92 (RM62.59 billion) arbitral amount awarded to the Sulu descendants, their lawyer contended.

Counsel Elisabeth Mason, from London-based 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square, said that refusal to abide by the Feb 28 Spanish arbitration ruling would put Malaysia at risk of suffering severe damage to its position as a trading nation and investment destination....