[UPDATED] Read my statement on South China Sea, Anwar tells Muhyiddin to attend Dewan

SHAH ALAM – Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin would have gotten a clearer understanding on Malaysia’s firm stance on its territories in the South China Sea had he attended Parliament and listened to the explanation provided on the matter.

This was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s response to Muhyiddin’s claim that the former’s recent remarks in the Dewan Rakyat were careless and an indirect acknowledgment of China’s claim on an area belonging to Malaysia.

Speaking to the press today here, Anwar maintained that the country will not yield on the matter to China and affirmed that Petronas’ oil and gas activities in disputed territories in the South China Sea will continue.

“He (Muhyiddin) has a lot of problems. He didn’t read my statement. What was my statement? It’s that we will continue with Petronas oil and gas exploration, full stop,” he said after attending the Kita-Untuk-Kita (K2K) Programme here today.

“I never said I would compromise. We can discuss (with China), but that does not stop us from carrying on with our projects. The exploration by Petronas is within our territories; this is not at all affected.

“But this is the problem with the head of the opposition. He doesn’t pay attention, doesn’t attend Parliament, doesn’t listen to our views, nor read our statements.”

Anwar, however, said discussions with China are necessary to avoid any tensions between the two nations.

“Now, China is claiming overlapping territories. I said, ‘Okay, if that’s the case, we can discuss’. If we don’t discuss, then what… you (Muhyiddin) want war?”

Anwar was responding to a statement by Muhyiddin on Thursday accusing the Pakatan Harapan chairman of making careless remarks on the South China Sea in the Dewan Rakyat two days earlier. 

The PKR president had said Malaysia remains firm in its stand that Petronas would continue with its oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea despite claims made by Beijing, and that this has been conveyed to Chinese leaders during his recent visit there. 

“Yes, both quarters have overlapping claims in the South China Sea. In particular, China is concerned that Petronas is operating massively in an area claimed by the nation.  

“I have spoken about this (with the leaders), and Malaysia regards this as our territory. As such, Petronas will continue with its oil and gas exploration there,” he had said, adding that if China feels it should have the right over the territory, Malaysia is open to hold discussions. 

Muhyiddin, who is a former prime minister, said this is an indirect acknowledgement of China’s territorial claims, adding that Malaysia’s territory must be defended at all costs. 

“The prime minister’s statement on Malaysia’s openness to negotiations on the nation’s territory could threaten the nation’s sovereignty.” – The Vibes, April 8, 2023