KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s use of the term “negotiation” when referencing possible discussions with the Chinese government in relation to the South China Sea territorial disputes was intended to make the point that such issues must be resolved amicably.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry made this clarification after the opposition looked to capitalise on the issue, with Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, among others, describing the prime minister’s remarks as careless.
The ministry stressed that Malaysia’s position on South China Sea has been consistent and remains unchanged – that the government is unequivocally and firmly committed to protecting the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and interests in its maritime areas.
The ministry said this is as depicted in the country’s 1979 map.
“Malaysia firmly holds the view that matters relating to the South China Sea must be resolved peacefully and constructively, in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“By stating the term ‘negotiation’ during the Prime Minister’s Question Time in Parliament on April 4, Anwar made the point that issues relating to the South China Sea should be discussed or resolved in a peaceful manner.
“(This should be done by) utilising existing platforms and through diplomatic channels, and without compromising Malaysia’s principled position, to avoid any escalation of disputes and the threat or use of force,” it said in a statement today.
Wisma Putra said Malaysia will continue adopting a diplomatic approach in engagement with other countries, including China, in the common effort to maintain the South China Sea as a sea of peace, stability and trade.
It said this is in line with the provisions of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which, among others, requires dispute resolution by peaceful means and the avoidance of the threat or use of force.
This declaration was signed by Asean member states and China in 2002.
Earlier this week, in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar had said that Malaysia remains firm in its stand that Petronas will continue with its oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea despite competing claims made by China, and that this had been conveyed to its leaders during his recent visit there.
However, he said if China felt it should have the right to the disputed territory, Malaysia is open to negotiations on the matter.
In a statement two days ago, Muhyiddin said Anwar’s remarks are 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.”
Earlier today, Anwar hit back at Muhyiddin, saying the Bersatu president would have gotten a clearer understanding on Malaysia’s firm stance on its territories in the South China Sea had he attended the Dewan Rakyat sitting and listened to the explanation provided on the matter.
“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.
“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, it 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.” – The Vibes, April 8, 2023
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