KUALA LUMPUR – Nuclear-powered submarines belonging to foreign nations can enter Malaysia’s waters, provided they abide by the country’s laws and regulations and do not make any provocations.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said this in response to questions from Lim Guan Eng (Bagan-PH) following Australia’s decision to purchase eight such submarines as part of a tripartite deal between the nation, United Kingdom and United States – known as Aukus.
“To ensure the safety and sovereignty of the country as well as the region’s stability, Malaysia urges all quarters in or outside of Aukus not to take part in any provocative activities that can disturb the region’s peace and safety.”
“However, Malaysia respects the right of all nations to increase their respective defence capacity building,” he said in the Dewan Rakyat today, during the Minister’s Question Time.
Mohamad pointed out that under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), all ships and planes are given a freedom of navigation and overflight in open seas and exclusive economic zones, granted they obey the laws of the respective coastal nations.
He added that the convention also stipulates that all submarines that operate in another country shall at all times be above water.
“If there is any submarine, either powered conventionally or by nuclear, that intends to sail underwater here, the navy of the country state must submit an application to the Royal Malaysian Navy via a diplomatic note to obtain special approval.
“This also applies to all submarines or warships that wish to enter our ports,” he said.
In his question, Lim had queried about Malaysia’s stance following the Aukus defence pact’s decision for Australia to buy eight nuclear-powered submarines worth over RM1 trillion and its impact on the security of Asean countries.
The former finance minister had also asked if the pigboats will be allowed to operate in the waters of Asean countries.
According to Mohamad, representatives from all three nations under AUKUS had recently met with him in relation to the submarines, and that he had stated the country’s stand and principle for all nations to respect and abide by Malaysia and international legal instruments.
He also noted that in his meeting with Australia’s armed forces chief on March 9, his counterpart had noted that the construction of the eight submarines will not be equipped with nuclear weapons, with the energy source only being used to power the engines.
“As an Asean member, Malaysia holds by the principle to maintain Southeast Asia as a peaceful, free and neutral region, including on the issue of nuclear weapons.” – The Vibes, March 30, 2023
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