TOKYO, JAPAN - While expressing sadness over the decision, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi nevertheless accepted it, saying it was based on hard facts and evidence.

"Now we have to get down to working out the boundaries of the South Ledge," he said at a late night press conference here.

"I hope this would be done in a peaceful manner which would not lead to any conflicts between both countries."

The prime minister who is on a three-day working visit here said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim would be meeting his Singapore counterpart soon on this matter.

Abdullah would be seeking an audience with the Sultan of Johor to explain in detail the ruling by the International Court of Justice.

He also thanked the Malaysian legal team and officials who prepared the case.

"I know they did their best. We should be thankful that we have Middle Rocks."

Related links:

The decision
» ICJ's judgment
» Pedra Branca belongs to Singapore
» 1953 Johor letter 'hands' over to Singapore
» Three reasons why island went to Singapore
» Court leaves sovereignty over South Ledge open

Reactions
» PM Lee's comments on ICJ ruling
» PM Abdullah: Decision based on hard facts, evidence
» A good ruling, for both
» Community accepts decision

Aftermath
» Pulau Batu Puteh: Past, present and future
» Loss a big blow for fishermen
» Malaysians can now go fishing off Middle Rocks
» Expert: Natural resources in territorial waters now Singapore's